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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

This storm will deliver more wind than snow to the Mt Hood area on Saturday.  During the day, shallow fresh wind slabs will build on lee slopes at mid and upper elevations.  Strong to extreme winds at higher elevations will lead to poor visibility and challenging navigation above treeline. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Even if this storm delivers more wind than snow, expect increasing avalanche danger during the day as fresh wind slabs build on lee slopes. The usual red flags for developing wind slabs like blowing snow, textured snow surfaces, firmer or hollow-sounding snow, and shooting cracks will steer you away from nearby steep open slopes below ridgelines and towards more sheltered and lower angle terrain.  You may find wind slabs further downslope than usual or in unusual places due to potentially strong to even extreme upper mountain winds in the afternoon.  

    (2/27/2024)

    Make sure to have lower angle and sheltered options if conditions look like this later in the day. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC is devastated to report the death of one of our Avalanche Forecasters, Matt Primomo. Tragically, Matt passed away in a non-avalanche accident away from work on Thursday, March 7th. Matt has been a key member of the NWAC family since 2017. His life in the mountains touched so many people. We are absolutely heartbroken. Please join us as we mourn this immense loss with Matt’s family, friends, and community.

Discussion:  If it wasn't for a stiff SW breeze, you could be forgiven for thinking Friday was the first day of spring with sunshine and temperatures in the 30s and 40s.  While the pattern's about to change, the preceding calm weather helped our snowpack settle out.  For several days, backcountry travelers and avalanche professionals reported good snowpack stability outside of wind-loaded areas and excellent powder riding in shaded areas. 

If you're out in the snow, share your observations with us and your local backcountry community.

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