Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Shallow wind slabs may develop above treeline today while small loose snow avalanche are possible in very steep or extreme features at low and mid elevations.  Use caution on open slopes steeper than 35 degrees with freshly drifted snow.  The new snow should improve travel conditions but may mask recently exposed rocks, icy slopes or other travel hazards.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Fresh and shallow wind slabs may form on lee slopes and below ridgelines as a weather system brings fresh snow and wind to Mt Hood Sunday. Observe which slopes are being actively loaded by wind transported snow near and above treeline.  Feel for firm or even hollow sounding snow.  Use caution on open slopes steeper than 35 degrees with freshly drifted snow where you may trigger a wind slab avalanche.

    At lower and mid-elevations that experience less wind, you can trigger small dry loose snow avalanches on very steep or extreme terrain features.  With a variety of weak snow surfaces found over a firm crust,  loose dry avalanches or "sluffs" may run faster and further than you expect given the amount of new snow.  Don't let these predictable avalanches catch you off guard and knock you off your feet above cliff bands,  tree bands, or other terrain traps. 

    Firmer wind slabs like the one in the picture may form Sunday in wind affected terrain

Avalanche Discussion

715 AM Update: Near treeline was lowered to LOW danger with less wind expected today. 

A cold storm will bring several welcome inches of new snow to the Mt Hood area Sunday. While the winds associated with this system will fall short by Mt Hood standards, they should be strong and consistent enough to move the new snow around at upper elevations.  Recent avalanche activity preceding this storm was limited to a few small loose avalanches involving snow from Thursday's 1-3" snowfall.  In general, a stout mid-January crust can be considered the new ground for avalanche concerns. The lower and mid snowpack are considered strong with no deeper layers of concern. 

Hiding under a new soft exterior you may find variable conditions including weak snow, thin breakable crusts, old avalanche debris and firm icy surfaces. If you find yourself above a wind stripped icy slope, make sure you have the skills and tools you need to prevent a fall from turning into a long and potentially dangerous slide. 

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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