Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Saturday may feel more like a transition day around Mt. Hood. As precipitation begins to fall, you may be able to push small wet loose avalanches in very steep terrain below or near the snowline. At upper elevations, small slabs of drifted snow will begin to form as snowfall and winds ramp up. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small upper elevation wind slabs will start building as precipitation starts trickling in. These won’t be big or widespread, but these small slabs may be reactive to a human's weight in the late afternoon hours. Expect more dangerous conditions to develop during the evening hours as a bigger punch of precipitation takes aim at Mt. Hood.

    Poor visibility will likely challenge your ability to identify newly forming slabs. Consider simplifying your terrain as precipitation rates increase and strong SW winds begin to drift new snow. Around the snow-line, the new snow may feel moist and behave more wet loose-like. Read below for more details . 

    (12/26/2025)

    Cracking around your skis are signs that you found a wind slab. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday won’t be a great day to be outside around Mt. Hood. The day will start dry, but look for clouds to thicken and precipitation to begin sometime in the early afternoon. Unfortunately, this storm will start on high snow levels, so expect rain through at least the mid-elevations. This rain-on-snow shouldn’t be too impactful on our already beaten-up snowpack, butstillbe heads up about wet loose avalanches in steeper terrain. Pay close attention to how the snow feels under your feet or machine. If the snowpack starts feeling very soft, heavy, and punchy - consider staying off steep slopes with consequence.

Fortunately, snow levels should drop through Saturday evening, bringing a return of snow to middle and upper elevations. Saturday evening through Monday will likely bring a significant uptick in avalanche danger as new snow begins to pile up on strong winds. In most areas below 8000 ft, expect new snow to fall over a melt-freeze crust of varying thickness, depending on aspect. Expect this crust to be a player and potential bed surface for avalanches to run on in the coming days. 

As new snow starts falling, let us know what you see. Submit an observation here or on the AvyApp. 

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