Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As you gain elevation, look for signs of wind transport on exposed slopes, such as cornice development and uneven surfaces. Shooting cracks and fresh slab avalanches clearly indicate instability in steep, downwind terrain. Don't totally shut your brain off lower down, as travel conditions are inconsistent and warrant some terrain management as well.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This weather pattern of incremental new snow accompanied by wind continues. However, these weather inputs should be less impactful on Wednesday as we trend toward calm, dry weather. Wind loaded slopes should largely be relegated to higher alpine terrain, but start to look for signs of wind effect as you enter middle elevations.

    Focus on the type of terrain that wind slabs tend to form in. These are areas just below ridgelines, especially where cornices overhang from and in gully or chute shaped features that promote cross-loading. Once you've identified this terrain, take a look at the surface conditions. Wind-deposited snow will often look rounded and pillowy, and feel denser or sound hollow. You can probe around with your ski pole to feel for these stiffer pockets or find a small, representative test slope to jump on. The south side of the mountain will be gustier on Wednesday, so you may be able to use blowing snow as a guide around there. Steer around steep slopes if you notice cracks shooting out from your equipment, hear audible collapsing, or see recent slab avalanches.

    (4/1/2025)

    A large (D2) wind slab avalanche triggered by explosives mitigation in Azone on Tuesday April 1 (NE, 7300').

    Photo: MHM Snow Safety

Avalanche Discussion

With a snowpack transitioning to more spring-like comes some complexities to navigate. As you crest above 6000-7500 ft, you'll start noticing improved riding conditions, but more soft snow available for transport and, therefore, more heightened avalanche conditions. Additionally, any periods of sun or daytime warming this time of year could produce small wet loose avalanches. Mid and lower elevation areas have experienced more pronounced temperature fluctuations over the past days, making conditions the lower you are more challenging. There are firm and scoured surfaces that demand proper "sharps" gear in steep terrain. Then there are some areas where you can still sink in well past your boot top in wet, mushy snow that an atmospheric river event created late last month.

An NWAC Forecaster traveled to Pea Gravel Ridge on Monday and found variable conditions such as these. Click here to read the observation. It'll behoove you to be similarly prepared for a little bit of everything if you get out into the backcountry on Wednesday. Be mindful of wet snow avalanche potential if the sun comes out and the increasing likelihood of encountering obstacles due to late season snowmelt.

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

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