Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Feb 2 – 3, 2015Northwest Avalanche Center
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

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. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1
  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

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.

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. 

 

Regions covered