Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Updated 6:10 AM: Increased to Considerable Danger at all elevations.

Snow arriving Sunday night will continue to build wind slabs at upper elevations and create the potential for slabs at lower elevations as well. Expect slabs to be larger and easier to trigger as you ascend. Look for actively blowing snow, drifts, and firm or textured snow surfaces to help identify suspect terrain features. Navigate around steep wind-loaded features especially near ridge crests where you see these signs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs will continue to grow overnight and Sunday becoming large above treeline. Expect to find reactive wind slabs near and above treeline and possibly below treeline on wind-exposed features and lee slopes. Strong west winds are forecast to continue and will increase the size of possible slabs. The higher you travel on the mountain, the more likely you are to trigger large slabs. Look for actively blowing snow, fresh cornice formation, and stiff or textured snow surface as a sign that you could trigger a wind slab on slopes accumulating windblown snow. Where you see these signs, navigate around steep start zones and choose slopes under 35 degrees.

    Example: Blowing snow deposits below ridgelines forming wind slabs. Photo: Shane Robinson

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Shallow and sensitive slabs were observed below treeline Sunday afternoon. A weak layer of snow is buried between last week's melt-freeze crust and the recent snow. These slabs should become deeper and more reactive as a fresh dose of snow arrives overnight Sunday. Look and feel for small natural avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing or whumping snow as a sign that you could trigger a storm slab. Choose slopes below 35 degrees and steer around convex rolls and unsupported slopes such as those above cliffs and creeks to avoid triggering a storm slab avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall totals have been variable over the last few days with the western slopes of Mt Hood picking up more snow accumulation than the east and north slopes. A more significant storm is brewing Sunday night which should deposit significant snow accumulations in most areas and increase the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches where you find more than 6 inches of snow. Avalanche problems should be confined to recent snow which sits above a melt-freeze crust formed during warm and sunny weather last week.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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