Mt Hood

Generally safe avalanche conditions continue on Saturday, but continue to use caution on steep slopes near rocky terrain if the snow becomes wet and punchy.  Your greater hazard will be firm crusts and sliding falls, particularly before the sun hits the slope. Make sure you have the tools to arrest a slip and fall.   

Freezing levels remain above the top of the volcano through the weekend.  At 7000 ft, the temperatures on Mt Hood have been above freezing since January 11th. In short, although the temperatures are unusually warm, the snowpack is adjusting to the spring-like weather. Many sun-exposed slopes have formed thick crusts (3/4" thick).  Some higher elevation and shady aspects that previously held dry snow have also formed a thin melt-freeze crust.  

Despite the warmth, full sunshine, and very light winds forecast for Saturday, we expect it to only be in very isolated areas that the crust breaks down. If this occurs, expect the potential for natural or human-triggered wet avalanches. If slopes become unsupportive to a boot, reduce your exposure to slopes steeper than 35 degrees, even if those slopes are above you.

Snow surfaces were firmer and icier on Friday than on Thursday. We expect Saturday to be similar. Keep the potential for long, sliding fall hazards on your mind, particularly before sun softens a slope. Before crossing steep icy slopes, make sure to have the proper traction and be ready to self-arrest a fall. 

Before our warm-up, 20-30 inches of snow fell over the stout January 3rd crust.  We saw a few large to very large natural avalanches that likely ran on or above this crust during the stormy period on Jan 6th-8th. Since the storm ended, avalanche activity was mainly confined to wind-drifted terrain. The upper snowpack remains heavily wind-affected. Backcountry travelers are generally finding a strong, well-bonded snowpack to the underlying January 3rd crust.