Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As the day progresses and new snow starts accumulating, the likelihood of you triggering an avalanche in fresh wind-drifted snow will increase.  Be mindful of changing conditions and give yourself some space from steep, upper elevation wind loaded areas.  Default to lower angle slopes and ridges to reduce your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As winds and precipitation ramp up, newly forming wind slabs will start to develop. These will likely be shallow in nature, however they may become reactive during the later hours of the day, especially if they sit on a recent layer surface hoar or near-surface facets. You can find these wind slabs on the down-wind side of ridges, below cornices, and in the alpine.  As winds ramp up and new snow piles up, give yourself some space from steep, convex slopes - specifically on the lee-side of ridges and in the alpine. 

    (12/3/2022)

    Actively blowing snow, freshly building sharp cornices, and textured surfaces. All easy-to-identify signs of wind-loading. Use visual clues like this to help you identify slopes of concern. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Despite the calm and clear weather that Friday offered, an observer reported a small, D1 human-triggered slab just above the Timberline Parking lot in Salmon River Canyon. This was on an east aspect on a steep wind-drifted roll.  This serves as a reminder that small avalanches can occur in specific areas and large avalanches can occur in isolated areas during moderate danger.  

Going into Saturday, you’ll encounter rising avalanche hazard as the day progresses. New snow and wind will combine to possibly create dangerous avalanche conditions at higher elevations during the later afternoon and evening hours. Be on top of your game and be in tune with the changing weather conditions.   

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation!

 

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