Avalanche Forecast

A strengthening surface crust will limit the avalanche danger at lower elevations Wednesday in the Mt Hood area. Shallow new snow may be transported near ridges, especially near and above treeline where small wind slabs may be possible to triggered on steep lee slopes. Avoid steep open slopes showing signs of recent wind loading.

Lingering hard wind slabs may still exist at higher elevations. You are most likely to find and trigger these avalanches on shaded slopes not receiving direct sunshine. Firm wind slabs can lure you far onto the slope before failing, creating a particularly dangerous situation. To avoid wind slabs, stay away from any steep slopes where you believe winds have recently deposited snow. If the snow below you feels hollow, seek lower angle terrain.

Limit your exposure to Mt Hood’s very large avalanche paths Tuesday. Very large and difficult to predict wind slabs have formed high on the mountain above the forecast area. A very large avalanche initiating high above you may travel to your location. Similarly, limit your exposure to cornices above you.

Sunshine and temperatures in the 40's to 50's over the past few days has allowed for significant snowpack settlement and for a variety of surface conditions to develop. Several melt-freeze cycles over the past few days has allowed for a strengthening snowpack. Steep shaded north facing slopes are hanging on to some settled old snow that fell Thursday.

Clear weather over the past few nights has allowed for surface hoar or near surface faceted snow to develop on many slopes. These surfaces are easily destroyed by wind or sun, rain or warming. Precipitation falling Tuesday afternoon began as rain in most areas and hopefully destroyed much of these surface crystals.

Six to eight inches of new snow fell with moderate winds Thursday night and Friday. Before cooling Thursday night, rain reached up to 6600 ft. Winds throughout the storm reshaped the snow surface. Firm wind slabs, snow drifts, and wind scoured surfaces have all been reported.

While we are tracking several layers deeper in the snowpack, there are currently no significant layers of concern.

Observations

Mt. Hood Meadows pro-patrol reported warmth and wet snow conditions on Sunday and again Monday, with generally small loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes. 

NWAC Pro-Observer Laura Green traveled in the Mt Hood backcountry Friday. Laura found moderate to strong winds transporting snow throughout the day. Plumes were seen high on Mt Hood during the morning. She observed a variety of wind featured snow surfaces including large deep snow drifts, hard wind slabs, and uneven snow surfaces near and above treeline.