Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

0730 Update: Added a wet snow avalanche problem for lower and middle elevations to account for decreasing cloud cover later day. 

New snow and extreme wind speeds will make for dangerous avalanche conditions in wind-loaded terrain around Mt. Hood on Tuesday. Pay attention to blowing snow and steer around steep leeward slopes that hold stiff slabs of drifted snow.  Small, wet avalanche concerns may develop on southerly slopes if the sun decides to make an appearance. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Extreme W/SW winds will rapidly build slabs in leeward terrain on Monday night and Tuesday. Due to these strong wind velocities, expect significant scouring along windward slopes and dense slabs on the downwind side of ridges and moraines. These slabs form further downslope or may on mid-slope convexities due to these radical wind speeds. 

    These slabs will range from soft to stiff depending on your elevation. Look for these slabs to become denser and more consequential as you climb above 6000 ft into more exposed terrain. Blowing snow should be easy to spot on Tuesday, so pay attention to where it's being deposited to help you identify wind loaded terrain. Ripples, dunes, and sharp cornices are all indicators of recent wind transport.  Simple tests like hand shears and small slope cuts can show the bond of wind slabs to the old snow layers. Steer around steep, wind-loaded features especially if you notice shooting cracks, hard over soft layering, or recent avalanche activity. 

    (2/1/2025)

    Blowing snow, fresh drifts, sharp cornices, and rime all point towards wind loading along this ridgeline. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Loose Wet

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

    Small wet avalanches entraining new snow may initiate on slopes facing south and west during sunny periods later day. While most of these will remain small, don’t underestimate wet snow in more steep terrain.  Wet loose avalanches often start small and grow larger as they move downhill. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious clues that wet loose avalanches may soon follow. Steer around steep, sunlit slopes if you notice rollerballs and pinwheels shedding or sticky, heavy surfaces under your feet or machine. 

    (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

While the Monday evening/Tuesday morning system won’t be a big snow producer, the strong winds will be the main driver for the avalanche danger. Extreme wind speeds will productively scour windward slopes and build dense slabs on leeward features as new snow accumulates.  Keep in mind that variable, icy surfaces existed at upper elevations before the new snow fell. Extreme winds have likely scoured many west aspects and ridgelines, so expect to find a patchwork of soft and icy surfaces as you climb into the wind zone. Having boot/ski crampons may be a nice addition for more efficient, secure alpine travel. 

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting an observation here. 

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