Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can still trigger a large avalanche in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. As light snowfall continues over the next 24hrs, small and shallow avalanches in new snow remain possible, even at low elevations. Be leery of steep, open slopes, especially where you find evidence of recent wind-loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Avalanches in wind-drifted snow could still break several feet thick and become large and destructive. On Thursday, Mt Hood Meadows Patrol triggered wind slabs with explosives that broke 1-4ft deep and ran far distances. These avalanches occurred at upper elevations on easterly aspects, the locations you will continue to find the thickest and most reactive slabs Friday. A bit more snow and westerly winds are on their way, and plenty of recent snow is still available for transport. Keep in mind that new snow could freshen up snow surfaces making it challenging to identify previously formed wind slabs. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain, and look and feel for changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Steer around slopes below cornices and features greater than 35 degrees with evidence of wind-loading. 

    (4/12/2022)

    Brief clearing between storms on the evening of 4/12 with heavily wind-affected surfaces visible around the Palmer Lift above Timberline Lodge.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snowfall amounts over the next 24 hours are uncertain, but there is a chance up to 5in could accumulate overnight. Light snowfall and sunny skies will alternate back and forth throughout the day Friday. Any new snow will add to the impressive storm totals this week - around 75in! All the recent snow sits above the prominent 4/8 crust. Soft slab avalanches could break on a variety of layers within the new snow. Many dry loose sluffs have been reported as well and will continue to be a concern. Any of these avalanches could be large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person, especially if they drag you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or into confined terrain like gullies or creeks. Give the storm snow time to gain strength, and use caution around rollovers and steep unsupported features at all elevations.  

    (4/13/2022)

    Shovel-tilt tests produced easy, sudden planar fractures within the top 1.5ft of storm snow (SE aspect, 5800ft)

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC is aware of a possible avalanche fatality at Mt Hood Meadows and is in communication with local authorities. You can read our full statement here.

The wintery weather continues with light snow showers, cool temperatures, and southwesterly winds. Even with snow in the forecast, there is a good chance for periods of clear skies Friday. If this is the case, watch for changing conditions on sunny slopes where wet loose sluffs could run naturally. With so much recent snow, snow immersion suffocation and tree wells are significant hazards on Mt Hood right now. Learn more about deep snow safety here.

On Thursday, Mt Hood Meadows reported several artificially triggered avalanches breaking within recent snow. An observer in Heather Canyon saw a recent small natural slab avalanche just out of bounds on a SW aspect near 5200ft (photo below). NWAC staff toured around Timberline Wednesday and found deep snow travel with 4-5ft of settled snow above the 4/8 crust. Several inter-storm layers were reactive in tests, and wind-affected snow was easy to find. Recent avalanche activity was surprisingly limited but was likely covered up by the ongoing snowfall. Brief clearings provided views into the alpine, and sunshine caused a round of minor loose wet activity at mid and lower elevations. 

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