Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 10th, 2018 10:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is
NWAC,
Northwest Avalanche Center
You will be unlikely to trigger an avalanche Sunday. Use normal travel caution including carrying a beacon, shovel, and probe. Icy surface snow conditions will create non-avalanche hazards. Avoid traveling in firm steep slopes where it will be very difficult to stop a fall.
Summary
Detailed Forecast
No significant avalanche problems exist in the Mt Hood area. A strong surface crust and minimal new precipitation will make triggering an avalanche unlikely. Employ common travel techniques Sunday to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain. Always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe and use normal caution.
Non-avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. Firm surface snow conditions will make stopping a fall very difficult. Avoid traveling on steep icy slopes where a slip and fall may have higher consequences.
Snowpack Discussion
A strong surface crust exists in the backcountry around Mt Hood. Cold temperatures allowed recently wet surface snow to re-freeze.
Warm and wet weather during early February created a consolidated snowpack well into above treeline terrain. There are no layers of concern in this strong snowpack.
Observations
On Friday, NWAC professional observer Laura Green traveled above Timberline into the above treeline band. Avalanches were not a concern due to the presence of a thick, icy surface crust. The biggest danger was the risk of a fall and slide on steep slopes.
On Wednesday, Mt. Hood Meadows pro patrol reported that wind help keep the snow surface firm except at the lowest elevations. Rain affected snow was up to 7300'. No avalanches have been observed over the past several days.
Valid until: Feb 11th, 2018 10:00AM
