Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Large human-triggered avalanches in wind-drifted snow are possible in leeward terrain at upper elevations. Icy surfaces still pose travel hazards on some slopes. Look and feel for changes in snow surface textures and hardness, and avoid steep open slopes with evidence of fresh wind-loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avalanches in wind drifted snow will become larger and easier to trigger as you gain elevation. These avalanches will be most likely to fail within new and wind drifted snow and will be most sensitive on east through north aspects above 6000ft in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around large open alpine slopes below cornices, cliff bands, and ridgelines with evidence of fresh wind loading. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain. You'll find windward slopes scoured to the old icy surface, and leeward slopes drifted in with firm, chalky snow. Use these visual clues along with blowing snow as the easiest tools to identify slopes with fresh wind slabs. If you experience cracking or see recent avalanches, choose lower-angled terrain sheltered from the wind.

    (1/31/2022) Westerly winds blowing snow at ridgetop, scouring down to the hard, icy old snow surface and loading a NE aspect. Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

Observers on Tuesday reported stiff winds slabs 3-6in thick in leeward terrain that were stubborn to triggers. Minor cracking occurred on test slopes, but no significant avalanches have been reported since the storm began. Ongoing light snowfall, gusty winds, and poor visibility limited observations above treeline. The slick icy old snow surface is exposed or shallowly buried in many areas, especially in windward terrain (S and W aspects), and below treeline where less snow accumulated. The new snow provided a much-needed refresh though, and riding quality improved.

The storm started out warm, helping form what so far appears to be a strong bond to the old snow surface (buried January 30). Within new and windblown snow there is an inter-storm layer down a couple of inches that snowpack tests identified, but did not produce concerning results. Regardless, carefully evaluate new and windblown snow before committing to steeper terrain. You may find slabs of wind drifted snow generally 1ft thick or less, but triggering a deeper large wind slab is not out of the question in isolated areas above treeline.

Despite the new snow, slick, icy, and hazardous travel conditions still exist where the old snow surface is exposed. Icy conditions led to numerous falls and multiple rescues on the upper mountain over the past week, and several snowmobilers lost control on the slick surfaces at Skyline and Frog Lake SnoParks with accidents and severe injuries reported. Keep your guard up - snow surfaces are variable out there and change rapidly with aspect and elevation.  

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