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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 2nd, 2015–Feb 3rd, 2015

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Mt Hood.

Storm and wind slabs remain possible Tuesday, especially on lee aspects near and above treeline. Watch for wind transported new snow received Sunday and Monday, especially higher terrain. 

Detailed Forecast

An incoming frontal system will brush the Mt Hood area Tuesday and bring light rain and snow. Snow levels should lower Tuesday to allow for shallow storm and wind slabs, especially on lee aspects near and above treeline. 

Although new storm and wind slabs are expected to be shallow, expect a greater avalanche danger as one travels higher into the above treeline band Tuesday.   

Below treeline, less snow accumulations and weaker winds area expected. 

 

Snowpack Discussion

After last weekend's rain (Jan 24-25th), predominately mild or sunny weather settled in during the work week. This help increase the very strong near surface crust layers.  A frontal system crossed the PNW on Sunday and another on Monday, producing light to moderate amounts of new snow Sunday mainly above 6000 ft with moderate westerly transport winds above treeline. Monday's front was warmer with rain reaching to about 6500 feet or higher. 

No new avalanches have been reported over the last week or as of Monday evening. 

Overall the snow pack at Mt Hood should predominately consist of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt form layers and crusts from warm periods so far this winter.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.