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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Conditions are generally stabilizing, however, vastly divergent conditions will be found at varying elevations and on different sides of the mountain. It will be possible to trigger an avalanche on wind loaded lee slopes at upper elevations or encounter scoured and firm slopes. At lower elevations, the morning's cold dry snow could produce wet avalanches by the afternoon. Although the weather forecast looks great, be prepared to make your own assessments as you travel. Unique conditions will exist at different elevations and aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very strong winds built shallow but reactive wind slabs Monday. Reports from Tuesday suggest that winds were strong enough to redistribute the snow into a patchwork of small wind slabs rather than thicken existing wind slabs. Use visual clues to identify areas where wind slabs may exist such as slopes directly below cornices, pillow-like drifts, and convex slopes or gullies. Use caution where you see evidence of freshly wind transported snow and navigate around wind-loaded features especially where slopes are greater than 35 degrees.

    Blowing snow, firm and textured snow, and cornice formation are all evidence that wind slabs are likely to be forming on lee slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Uncertainty might not be the right word, but there are a lot of divergent factors in Wednesday's avalanche forecast. Erratic snow distribution, a strong temperature inversion with multiple freezing levels, and cool wind in Easterly flow are all factors that mean dramatically different avalanche conditions will be found at different aspects, elevations, and even slope to slope.

Last weekend's beautiful weather left snow surfaces at most elevations and aspects firm either by wind scouring or the sun's melt/freezing action. Monday's powerful winds and heavy snow deposited an erratic arrangement of snow depths and textures. Areas in the alpine are scoured bare or packed with dense wind affected snow. At lower elevations, sun-exposed slopes have begun to feel the effect of rising temperatures while shaded slopes still hold cold, poorly bonded snow.

The bottom line is that although conditions are generally stabilizing, vastly different conditions will be found at different elevations and on different sides of the mountain.  At lower elevations recognize where sun-affected snow is beginning to form roller balls and pinwheels suggesting you could trigger loose wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. In non-sun-affected terrain consider the bond between recent snow and the firm old snow beneath.  Recognize when you transition into wind affected terrain and navigate around cornices and steep pillow-like drifts.

As we head into a week of high pressure remember that NWAC does not have enough consistent and reliable information to accurately forecast for the uppermost slopes of Mt Hood. If you choose to travel in the highest alpine terrain, carry avalanche rescue equipment and be prepared to make your own assessments.

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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