Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 7th, 2020–Jan 8th, 2020

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Mt Hood.

Another round of heavy snow and wind will maintain very dangerous avalanche conditions. Look for signs of wind transported snow such as cornices and firm or textured snow surfaces. Avoid lee slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find wind deposited snow.

Discussion

A significant freezing rain crust developed Monday night between about 5500-7000 feet. This ice layer will make travel conditions very difficult where it is not covered by new snow. New snow and wind transported snow may bond poorly to this icy surface.

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.