Avalanche Forecast

Avalanches will continue to be unlikely Monday. Cold temperatures will develop a strong surface crust limiting the development of any avalanche problems in the Mt Hood area. Firm surface snow will soften throughout the day on slopes receiving direct sunshine. Expect shaded slopes to remain frozen throughout the day.  

Non-avalanche-related hazards exist in the backcountry. Firm surface snow conditions have created dangerouss slip and fall conditions. Avoid steep icy slopes where it will be very difficult to stop a fall.

Use appropriate travel techniques Monday to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and non-avalanche hazards.

Strong firm surface snow exists in the Mt Hood backcountry.  Warm and wet weather the first week of February created a strong and consolidated snowpack. The current snowpack consist of numerous old crust and very strong refrozen layers.  There are no significant layers of concern at this time.

No avalanches have been observed over the last several days.

Observations

Mt Hood Meadows ski patrol Sunday reported very firm surface snow conditions resulting in no current avalanche problems.

On Friday, NWAC professional observer Laura Green traveled above Timberline Ski Area. 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.