Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It remains possible for you to trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow above 6000 ft. Pay attention to surface clues such as wind-textured snow or rounded slabs to help you identify slopes of concern.  Give yourself some space from steep slopes if you notice warming temperatures (or sun)  producing rollerballs or wet loose slides.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind slabs that formed at upper elevations are likely becoming harder to trigger but would  act as an unwelcome surprise if caught. If you wanted to trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow, I bet you could find one on the leeward side of a ridgeline or moraine, specifically above 6000 ft where drier snow exists. Other places you may find these wind drifted slabs will be near rock or cliff bands or on the downwind side of cornices. Look for surface textures like ripples, dunes, or pillow-like slabs at the surface to help you identify where the wind has been at work. You can use small test slopes to gauge the reactivity of the slabs before easing into larger terrain features. As always, be ready to pump the brakes and default to lower angle terrain if you notice hollow slabs or shooting cracks under your feet or machine. 

    Let your eyes be your guide on Saturday. Look for textured surfaces or slopes that look 'fat' and rounded. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The ongoing warm, soggy conditions will help maintain the wet loose avalanche hazard. Over the past days observers and ski patrols have reported small wet loose avalanches (up to D 1.5) running on steep slopes, mainly below 6500 ft. Look for these fan shaped avalanches on steep slopes at lower and mid elevations. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious precursors to Wet Loose avalanches. If you notice these signs, consider moving to lower angled slopes.

    (4/7/2023)

    Natural loose wet avalanches below rocky complex terrain. 

    Photo: Patrick O'Moore

Avalanche Discussion

Spring is really starting to run its course. Elevations below 6000 ft are wet and soggy. Snow conditions are heavy and wet loose activity has been widespread at these elevations. Above 6000 ft you’ll encounter a different story. Here you’ll find 8-12 inches of heavy, new snow. On Friday, It was easy to find evidence of wind slabs on leeward slopes from our recent S-SW winds in the Timberline area.  The sun even made an appearance for short periods of time during the morning hours, which made solar slopes moist, even above treeline. 

The Mt Hood zone had an active week leading up to this warm-up. A massive spring storm brought 50-60 inches of snowfall paired with consistent strong SW winds. As a result, backcountry observers reported a round slab avalanche activity following intense periods of precipitation, while the Meadows patrol received some impressive control results up to D3 in heavily loaded pockets. Check out the gallery for more information. 

 

 

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