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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 13th, 2019–Feb 14th, 2019

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Mt Hood.

Increasing E-SE winds will re-distribute new and recent snow near and above treeline Thursday, continuing the dangerous avalanche conditions in the Mt. Hood area. Large avalanche paths above treeline have the potential for low-likelihood, high consequence slab avalanches that would be unsurvivable. Steer clear of large avalanche paths and choose more moderately angled and supported slopes near and below treeline.   

Discussion

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

Since Saturday morning an impressive 4 ft or more of snow has fallen in the Mt Hood area!  Thursday will be a mix of new and old avalanche concerns, and rather than trying to manage a complex scenario, it's better to choose simpler terrain not capable of producing large avalanches. 

The early storm snow fell with cold temperatures and more recent snow with gradual warming and very strong winds Monday night and Tuesday. All this storm snow is sitting on a hard crust and in areas is poorly bonded due to weak faceted crystals that formed on the crust. Widespread natural and controlled avalanches were reported Tuesday at Mt Hood Meadows, some releasing several feet deep to the old snow/crust interface. Less avalanche activity was reported Wednesday, but skier triggered avalanches up to 2' deep were still possible on wind loaded slopes. 

We've received a lot of snow over the last few days. The risk of tree well and snow immersion suffocation is real in the trees. Don't travel alone and always keep in contact with your partner. You can learn more about deep snow safety here. 

 

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis Coming Soon

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.