Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind-affected snow will be widespread near and above treeline. Use the variability in the upper snowpack to identify and avoid deeper regions of firm or punchy snow. Steer around steep and potentially wind-loaded slopes, recognizing the potential for slabs well below typical start zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Given the strength of the wind event, slabs will be firmer than you expect and they will be large enough to take you for a ride. Frequently when we get such strong and prolonged wind events, the wind-affected snow ends up being more uniform than when the winds are only moderate to strong. However, don't assume that this wind event will create a uniform veneer. Variability in the depth of the wind-affected snow over the most recent crust or interface will help you determine whether slabs have formed in your terrain. You can monitor this depth using a pole or probe. Steer around steep slopes with firm, punchy snow layers and areas of wind-drifted snow 6" or deeper. Be aware that sunshine can rapidly alter snowpack properties, potentially consolidating slabs and increasing the risk of human-triggered avalanches.

    Example: (4/9/2021) Cross loaded features on high, north-facing terrain in Whitepine Cirque speak to wind slab potential on those slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Several inches of snow fell in the Mt. Hood area, however, the major story has been the winds. Mt. Hood Meadows upper station recorded 23 straight hours with wind speeds averaging 30 mph or greater, with several hours recording averages of 50 mph or more, and gusts up to 70 mph.  Temperatures also remained cold with NWAC stations in the Mt. Hood area remaining well below freezing on Saturday.

Despite cool temperatures on Sunday, light winds and sunshine will warm the recent snow. Expect small rollerballs to entrain the new snow and very shallow wet loose avalanches to follow suit. We don't expect this to warrant a problem. If you find areas where the new snow proves deeper than we expect or observe evidence that wet loose avalanches are more 2-3" deep, you should re-evaluate the conditions, reduce your exposure to steep sunny slopes above you, and dial back your terrain selection.

Minimize your exposure to cornices if you travel on or below ridgelines. The sun has exposed rocks near ridgelines and on south and west-facing slopes. At low elevations, creeks may contain significant flow and snow bridges are beginning to become suspect.

An upcoming week of mostly dry weather with gradually warming temperatures should recommence the transition from a colder layered snowpack to a wet spring snowpack. We don't expect warming to impact more than the most recent snow on Sunday, but meltwater will become an increasing player as the week progresses. If you dig down in the snow, pay attention to how deeply meltwater has percolated, and please consider sharing your finding on the public observations page. This will improve our ability to forecast wet avalanche problems.

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.

Regions covered