Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2019–Dec 26th, 2019

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Mt Hood.

Light winds and minor snowfall maintain generally safe avalanche conditions. Small wind slabs still linger above treeline on steep lee slopes.

Discussion

We are several days out from the most recent storm cycle during which rain pushed up to at least 7000'. Since then, previously wet snow surfaces have refrozen and weâ€™ve received a dusting of new snow.Â

With calm winds and cool temperatures, little has changed since 12/23. Reports indicate isolated areas near and above treeline where you may find shallow wind slabs on lee slopes that have bonded poorly to the underlying crust.

A small skier triggered wind slab from Dec. 23rd around 7500â€™ on the North side of Mt Hood. Photo: Walter B.

Although conditions are generally safe, small wind slabs are still possible on steep lee slopes above treeline where windblown snow has not bonded to the frozen crust from the last rain event. Look for these areas of wind-distributed snow and avoid areas where they appear thick or rounded; travel wisely, keeping in mind the consequences of even a small avalanche if you go for a ride on an icy bed surface or there are exposed hazards like rocks, stumps, etc in your path.Â

If you're out testing your new gear over the holidays be sure to submit an observation! The easiest way is to share aÂ picture!

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon.Â We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday atÂ 6 pm.