Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Avoid avalanche terrain above 6500' and lower elevation slopes where large avalanches may reach from above. Below 6500' cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making will be essential.  Travel on ridgelines and low angled slopes staying away from cornices and slopes over 35 degrees where wind drifted snow has accumulated.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Human triggered avalanches will be very likely on aspects that collected wind drifted snow Saturday night.  Larger avalanches will be more likely at upper elevations, where naturally triggered avalanches are likely as well. If you travel in the backcountry Sunday avoid travel in terrain connected to steep open slopes at higher elevations. Avalanches may run to valley bottoms. Give cornices wide berth and stay off slopes over 35 degrees where windblown snow has accumulated.  Firm and textured snow as well as cracking in the snow are signs you could trigger an avalanche.

    (12/18/2020) Debris from a large, natural, wind slab avlanche on Mt Hood.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Heavy precipitation and temperatures warm enough for rain are forecast below 5500' for Saturday night. However, a sharp cool down should occur early Sunday morning. Shallow storm slabs may form early Sunday. Look for evidence you could trigger an avalanche such as heavy snow above light snow, cracks shooting through the snow, or a collapsing feeling underfoot. If you see these signs steer around slopes over 35 degrees and avoid features such as convex rolls and unsupported slopes such as those above cliffs and creeks.

    There is some uncertainty in the snow-level forecast. If you find rain-soaked, soft, wet snow below 5500'  on Sunday or see roller balls forming on the snow surface, you could trigger a loose wet avalanche. In this case, you still want to avoid the same features mentioned above, but consider that these avalanches are very heavy and even a small one can be surprisingly powerful.

    (12/27/2020) Shooting cracks, or small slides like this as you travel are a good indication you could trigger a storm slab.

Avalanche Discussion

2.00" of SWE along with strong to extreme WSW winds are forecasted Saturday night. Wind slabs and cornices will develop rapidly overnight and become large to very large by Sunday morning. Large and very large wind slabs may fail overnight Saturday with the rapid snow loading. However, slopes that do not release naturally will be primed to avalanche on Sunday. Some of these avalanches could reach valley bottoms. If you plan to travel in the backcountry Sunday, make a plan that will keep you out of the path of a very large avalanche from higher on the mountain.

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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