Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions will exist Thursday on Mt Hood. You may encounter minor loose wet activity in isolated areas by afternoon. Monitor the steepest, sunniest slopes at upper elevations as any new snow thaws throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    1-2in of cold snow accumulated in areas above 5000ft Wednesday, and another 1-2in may fall before skies clear by Thursday afternoon. Precipitation will likely continue to favor the south and west sides of the mountain. As the strong March sun heats up any recent snow, expect rollerballs and shallow loose wet sluffs in steep rocky terrain. These slides are not expected to grow large enough to bury backcountry travelers, but keep them on your radar if more snow falls than expected, or you venture high into the alpine. They could be problematic in exposed terrain where getting knocked off your feet would have high consequences.

    Example photo of minor loose wet activity on a rocky south-facing slope.

Avalanche Discussion

Wintery weather returned Wednesday, and cooler temperatures look to continue for the next several days. Expect light snow accumulations overnight and strong westerly winds to 35mph decreasing by afternoon as skies clear. New snow and wind may be enough to form shallow drifts on a few leeward features at the highest elevations. But, strong solar radiation by Thursday afternoon will likely be the biggest factor to drive any potential avalanche concerns. Pay attention to changes throughout the day as snow surfaces thaw on sunny slopes, and consider choosing lower angled or shaded terrain if you find the new snow slides easily on the underlying crust.

No new avalanches have been reported since 3/24, and the last wet loose slides in older melt-freeze snow were stubborn to triggers, even on the hottest days. The snowpack endured a beating prior to the recent storm due to warming, rain, and sun. Areas below 5000ft were hit particularly hard, with a 12-18in loss in the overall height of snow. Many exposed ridgelines and southerly slopes melted out, vegetation started to poke through the snowpack below treeline, and creeks opened up. Fortunately, areas near and above treeline have been somewhat resilient, and the snowpack above 6000ft is still 7-10ft deep, consolidated, and strong.

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