Avalanche Forecast

A weakening front will bring narrow bands of rain and very high elevation snow into the above treeline zone tonight. Snow levels will lower in the early morning hours and most areas should start to refreeze the upper snowpack as an inch or two of snow accumulates on top of this refreezing surface. Light to moderate SW winds will re-distribute new snow.

Watch for the development of shallow wind slabs, particularly on NW through SE aspects above treeline. Monitor new snow and wind transport diligently throughout the day and avoid wind-loaded slopes.

The stout icy surface crust reported in much of the terrain should soften Monday night and regain strength on Tuesday. While loose wet avalanches are not expected, monitor changing surface snow conditions. 

Icy surface crust near and below treeline, and a variety of snow surfaces above treeline will continue to make travel difficult in the Mt Hood area.

A strong high pressure ridge brought very warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies to the Mt Hood area Saturday through Monday with temperatures not falling below below freezing at either Mt. Hood Meadows station since Saturday.  See the graphs, below.

Friday, a rain and freezing rain event created icy surface conditions up to at least 7000 feet. 

Above treeline, W-SW winds Wednesday through Friday combined with significant snowfall have likely created a variety of snow surface conditions, including firm wind slabs in the alpine.

Observations

Observations Friday from Mt Hood Meadows reported a supportable rain and freezing rain crust to 7000 feet. The ice crust prevented winds from transporting snow near and below treeline.