Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong winds recently scoured some aspects and formed wind slabs in atypical locations.  Where you find wind-stiffened snow assume you can trigger a wind slab avalanche on similar terrain features.  At lower elevations, sunshine and increasing temperatures will increase the chances of small loose wet avalanches during the day. Move off steep sunny slopes as you feel the snow surface moisten and rollerballs start to come down.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If you travel near or above treeline Wednesday, you'll likely find firm wind stiffened snow on a variety of aspects due to the strong-extreme W-NW winds Monday night and Tuesday.  Wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggering where they've bonded poorly to the most recently formed crust. 

    You can test the bond of the new snow to the crust on small test slopes. Sticking to wind-scoured ridgelines and to slopes less than 35 degrees will help you avoid the problem Wednesday.  

    Example of cracking in a fresh wind drift on a small test slope.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    In less wind-affected areas and at lower elevations you may see loose wet avalanches release as the sun comes up and temperatures warm.  Most loose wet avalanches will be small and predictable. Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs.  Think about the consequences of a small avalanche at lower elevations where early season hazards are most likely to be encountered. 

    Rollerballs like these are a great indication that the snow surface is becoming wet and unstable. They can be the precursor to loose wet avalanches. When you see new rollerballs, steer away from similar slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

As visibility improves on Wednesday, we may find more evidence of very large avalanches that released during a storm cycle that peaked over the weekend in the Mt Hood area.  On Monday, professionals reported water had penetrated down 3 ft (1m) in the snowpack at 6600' following several days of rain and above freezing temperatures.  Monday night and Tuesday brought a rapid-cool down, a quick 6-10" of snow, and strong-extreme W-NW winds at all elevations.  At lower elevations and along wind stripped ridgelines, expect early season conditions.  Take care to avoid exposed rocks, stumps and open creeks. 

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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