Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Although the likelihood of triggering a very large avalanche has decreased, the consequences of triggering a slide remain great. Utilize simple test slopes before jumping onto larger steep or unsupported slopes near and above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Mt. Hood Meadows Pro patrol reported numerous exlosive-triggered wind slabs on N-E slopes between 6000-7000 ft on Wednesday. Some of these were large or even very large.  While your odds of triggering an avalanche may be decreasing, the consequences remain high warranting cautious decision-making. You might expect around 2 ft of snow on average above the 3/12 crust at 6500-7000 ft. and 3-4" of snow above the 3/15 crust below around 6000 ft formed by a warm-up Monday night. A layer of colder, lower density snow sits above the 3/12 crust and should continue to be the culprit the largest avalanches triggered at upper elevations until it has time to settle.  If you find these layers buried deeper, you're on a wind loaded slope. Continue to steer around wind-loaded start zones steeper than 35 degrees and rollovers well down below ridgelines. Evaluate the potential of the slab to fail on or above the uppermost crust before engaging with larger terrain features.

    (3/16/2022)

    Wind Slab on NE aspect above treeline at Mt. Hood Meadows. Crown was 5 ft (skier for scale) with failure on a density change just above the 3/12 crust. Estimated D2.5.

    Photo: MHM Pro Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

An atmospheric river brought a period of mild temperatures that extended through Monday night with cooling temperatures and more. Cooling temperatures arrived with around 7" of additional snowfall Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. Moderate WSW continued to load lee slopes. Since Monday, storm totals are around 20".  

In addition to the avalanches triggered Wednesday, Mt. Hood Pro Patrol reported easily triggered wind slabs 4-8" deep, running on the 3/15 crust on Tuesday. Earlier in the storm cycle, human-triggered wind slabs and storm slabs 6-12in deep were reported near and below treeline on Saturday and Sunday. All recent avalanche activity has failed at or above the old/new snow interface buried 3/12, and we do not expect avalanches to break deeper in the snowpack on old snow layers moving forward. 

Rollerball activity was also reported on Wednesday. Milder temperatures will battle it out with increasing winds to destabilize the surface snow. Shallow wet loose avalanches running within the 3-4" of snow above the 3/15 crust could develop if winds are light and the sun affects slopes in your area. If you sink into wet or sticky snow past your ankle, adjust your aspect and reduce your exposure to terrain traps.

 

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