Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wind-drifted snow remains reactive on Friday, particularly at upper elevations. The tail end of the storm might come in with less wind redistribution, so use recently formed cornices to help identify where eratically distributed slabs might lie. You can trigger a slab on any lee slope steeper than 35 degrees, even well below ridgelines.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    9-12" of fresh and recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds Wednesday night that continue to gradually ease through Thursday night. This has produced a patchwork of slabs that remain reactive at middle, and particularly upper elevations. Slabs may exist well below ridgelines, on mid-slope rollovers and even down-canyon gullies. You might not see the typical wind-textured snow lurking if the storm ends with light winds. Therefore, use clues such as the texture of the snow, looking for firm or punchy layering, difficult trail breaking, or hollow feeling snow. Also anticipate the slopes that may be wind-loaded from the pattern of cornices. At upper elevations, avoid steep wind-loaded slopes; steer around more committing and poorly supported features at middle elevations. Keep in mind that some small slabs could exist even in lower elevation terrain, but they should be small. Keep in mind that if winds do pick up from the SE ahead of the next system, some slabs could form in activevly loading areas on atypical aspects.

    (2/18/2025)

    Wind ripples from down canyon winds in Heather Canyon. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small wet loose avalanches are likely to originate as snow sheds off trees, rocks, or cliffs during periods of morning sunshine. As rollerballs start to form, adjust your aspect to cooler shaded slopes. Although these avalanches will generally be small, they could push you into a gully or over a cliff.

    Example: A small wet loose in Heather Canyon

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche activity peaked with heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds Wednesday night. Some natural 6-8" slabs were reported by Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol. A rider in the Timberline area also triggered a small 15" wind slab in a gully feature on an E aspect. 

We have some uncertainty regarding the reactivity of wind slabs at upper elevations. Some additional snowpack tests on representative slopes may help you decide whether slabs are settling out or remaining reactive longer given the cold temperatures.

The recent storm cycle sits atop a firm, icy surfaces, but we have not heard reports of a poor bond.

You can help us gather more data by submitting an observation HERE or via the Avy App.

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