Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You’ll find generally safe avalanche conditions during the early morning hours, but small human-triggered avalanches will become more possible on steep, sun-exposed slopes as the day heats up. While wet snow instabilities will be more widespread, a rogue lingering wind slab above 7000 ft could be an unpleasant surprise. Continue to look for signs of instability and have the proper gear to navigate firm, icy terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    A warmer and sunnier day may reinvigorate wet snow instabilities as warm temperatures break down the surface crust. Look for these wet snow instabilities during the late morning or afternoon hours on W-SW-S-SE aspects. You’ll most commonly find these signs of warming on steep solar slopes near rock or cliff bands. While most of these slides would be small, don’t underestimate wet snow in bigger terrain where a small avalanche could push you into unwanted terrain. Consider moving to shadier terrain or to scoured surfaces if you notice rollerballs shedding or if you’re sinking past your ankles in wet, mushy snow. 

    (3/21/2021)

    Wet loose avalanches often initiate where snow sheds off rocks and trees onto the slope below. Note that there are both small rollerballs and wet loose avalanches in this image. 

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mtn Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday is shaping up to be a touch warmer and sunnier than Tuesday. Expect this combination to soften surfaces along sun-exposed slopes as the day progresses. However, still come prepared for widespread, firm travel during the morning hours and along more shaded aspects in the zone. The slide-for-life conditions will be on of your most significant hazards right now. So do yourself a favor and pack the crampons, ice axe, and the ability to use this gear properly before heading into steep, upper-elevation terrain. 

While the wind slab problem may not be listed, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find an isolated unstable wind slab lingering in alpine terrain. If you find one, it will likely be near rocky areas or cliff- bands above 7000 ft. If you plan on skiing or climbing in this type of terrain, keep an eye out for softer, stiffer pockets of snow. Assess these pockets and look for signs of instability before committing to steeper lines. Shooting cracks or hollow-sounding snow are good reasons to simplify your terrain. 

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation.

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