Avalanche Forecast

We are several days out from the most recent storm cycle during which rain pushed up to at least 7000'. Since then, previously wet snow surfaces have refrozen and we’ve received a dusting of new snow. No avalanche activity has been reported in several days.  

With calm winds and cool temperatures, little has changed since 12/23. Reports indicate isolated areas near and above treeline where you may find shallow wind slabs on lee slopes that have bonded poorly to the underlying crust. Look for these areas of wind-distributed snow and avoid areas where they appear thick or rounded; travel wisely, keeping in mind the consequences of even a small avalanche if you go for a ride on an icy bed surface or there are exposed hazards like rocks, stumps, etc in your path. 

If you travel above 7500-8000 ft or so on Mt. Hood, you are outside of the NWAC forecast area. However, a report on the NWAC website found avalanche activity above our forecast elevation bands, where more snow fell during the December 18-21 storm event.

Merry Christmas! We are grateful for the holiday spirit of submitting observations and we hope you’ll keep them coming.

 

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