Avalanche Forecast
Jan 29th, 2019–Jan 30th, 2019
Alpine
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Regions: Mt Hood.
The Bottom Line: High freezing levels, light winds, and sunshine are likely to soften snow on steeper, sunny slopes, but multiple crust layers near the top of the snowpack should limit the potential for Loose Wet avalanche activity. Depending on your aspect and timing, you may encounter difficult travel with slide for life conditions a possibility.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
A thick, supportable ice crust exists on all elevations and aspects and broke down on Saturday and Sunday with very warm temperatures and sunshine, however a cool east wind limited surface melt on Monday. Winds decreased on Tuesday and 1-5†of melted snow developed on southerly slopes steeper than 20 degrees, creating pleasant riding conditions. The depth of the melt was limited by additional crusts in the snowpack, limiting avalanche concern. We expect similar conditions to play out again on Wednesday with warm temperatures, sunny skies, and light winds in the forecast once again.
However, if you do find wet snow deeper than your ankles or roller ball activity, adjust your aspect to find safer, firmer snow. Elsewhere, hard surface crusts make for hazardous conditions from uncontrolled falls. These fall and slide conditions should continue Wednesday so use caution when traversing steep slopes with consequences below.
Recent cornices have been evident in the terrain. You are most likely to find them overhanging northerly slopes or on the edge of gully features. Don’t linger below these cornices on Wednesday as the sun begins to warm them.