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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

You can trigger avalanches in fresh pockets of wind-drifted snow on Saturday. Look for and avoid areas that appear deeper and textured, especially if you notice shooting cracks under your feet or skis. While the new snow is a welcome treat, it may not be quite enough to totally eliminate the long sliding fall hazard in steep exposed terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Another trickle of precipitation accompanied by steady, moderate west winds will continue to build wind slabs on leeward slopes around Mt Hood. These slabs could trigger easily if they form on our current icy surfaces. Expect the size and distribution of fresh wind slabs to be greater in areas with higher snow totals like on the western side of the mountain closer to Timberline. 

    You'll find these wind slabs on the lee side of ridges and canyons, beneath cornices, and on the breakover of upper mountain convexities. Use visual clues like blowing snow and textured surfaces to help you identify potentially problematic slopes. You can use your ski pole to probe and feel for stiffer, deeper pockets of drifted snow. Pull back from these wind-drifted pockets if you notice shooting cracks or the new snow failing easily under your feet or skis. 

    (4/5/2024)

    Observers found 6-12 inch thick wind slabs on lee features at middle elevations on Friday. Steer around features like this that appear textured and rippled. 

    Photo: Mt Hood Climbing Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday, 3-6 inches of new snow helped freshen up surfaces across Mt Hood; it also helped build a fresh batch of slabs in wind-exposed terrain. The Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol reported 12-16 inch reactive wind slabs on isolated terrain features in their upper mountain terrain. Other professionals in the Timberline area also reported similar reactivity in wind-drifted snow and variable surfaces across the south side of the mountain. 

As new snow continues to trickle in on our widespread firm crust, you may observe small loose snow avalanches (both wet or dry depending on aspects) running in steep terrain. Be observant as you change aspects and be mindful of the consequence of small sluffs in radical terrain. 

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

 

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