Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Extreme winds may have formed fresh wind slabs on unusual aspects and further downslope than usual. We have more uncertainty regarding the size and distribution of wind slabs above treeline. Exercise caution around wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    All elevation bands will have firm wind affected snow, that's the easy part.  We have high uncertainty given recent loading patterns and sensitivity of wind loaded terrain above treeline where winds have been extreme. 

    Don't take a lack of natural avalanche activity or obvious red flags like cracking or collapsing as a guarantee for stability.  Firm wind slabs may have formed on unusual aspects or further downslope than usual.  While wind slabs may be stubborn to trigger, treat all slopes steeper than 35 degrees with caution.  Give larger avalanche paths at upper elevations time and space following this multi-day wind event.  Below treeline, you may trigger small wind slab avalanches on open slopes. 

     

    Not all wind loaded terrain may be this straight forward to decipher. Probe for firmer or hollow sounding snow as you travel.

    Example: Wind slab avalanche below a corniced ridgeline.

Avalanche Discussion

Strong to extreme west winds have been the main story over the last 48 hours, with winds at the 6500' weather station at Meadows averaging 30 mph since Friday 5 pm.  No new avalanches were reported on Sunday. Textured and firmer wind-affected snow or wind stripped ridgelines should not be hard to find.  In areas where winds have stripped recent snow, a thin freezing rain crust may glaze the surface.   An observation from Newton Canyon found this surface crust even on NE aspects below 6000 ft. In wind sheltered areas you may find roughly 4" of snow that accumulated through Sunday morning with a cooling trend. Winds will stay elevated Sunday night and for a good portion of Monday with little new snowfall expected. 

The stout mid-January crust is considered the new "ground" with a strong snowpack structure in place below this layer. Weak and faceted snow just above the stout rain crust was responsible for a number of avalanches last week, but no new evidence of avalanches on this interface suggests these facets are gaining strength. 

Headed north to recreate?  We have a tricky snowpack with persistent slab problems in all forecast zones across the state line.  Take the time to read about the different snowpacks that have developed further north and adjust your terrain selection accordingly. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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