Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Although the weather improves on Monday, the avalanche problems remain just as dangerous and difficult to manage. You can trigger large avalanches at lower elevations and very large slabs on lee slopes higher up. Avoid all unsupported or wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    An additional 5-10 in of new snow expected Sunday night brings storm totals close to 5  ft. Winds continue to gust into the 40-50 mph range, rapidly stripping snow from windward slopes and piling it on lee slopes. All the recent snow, unrelenting winds, combined with very cold temperatures limiting the healing process means slabs will be reactive and could be very large. Limited visibility also limits our knowledge of the slab problem at upper elevations. Near treeline, the distribution of slabs may not be as widespread as we expect them to be above treeline. Early in the day or if plumes of snow continue to drift snow on the upper mountain, very large natural avalanches may be possible in isolated alpine areas. These avalanches could break deeply and run far distances. Continue to avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and approach upper elevation terrain with caution. 

    Example: Dry snow redistributed by the wind. Surface textures such as these are good indications of wind transport.

    Photo: Rachel Gronvold

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Storm slabs will be most reactive early in the day, but you could still trigger them at any time. The last round of an extended 6-day storm cycle wraps up Sunday night. However, we've received reports of human-triggered storm slabs from Mt. Hood Meadows Patrol and recreational observations every day since the storm started. While most of these slabs will release within a variety of the mid-storm layers, a report of an avalanche breaking 3 ft down on the 12/21 crust gives us pause. Such an avalanche would be large (up to size 2.5) and difficult to survive. With all the new snow, you may even find loose snow avalanches running far and fast. Some wind stiffening in a more exposed area may be the requisite ingredient to form a slab on a slope nearby. Storm slabs have and may continue to release in moderately spaced trees. Until the storm abates, avoid large open slopes or unsupported terrain 35 degrees and steeper.

    (12/25/2021)

    Storm slab propagation in wind-stiffened snow below treeline at Mt. Hood.

    Photo: Ron Martin

Avalanche Discussion

Some of the coldest temperatures of the year continue to spill into the region. Wind chills will be below zero in exposed terrain. Make sure you are prepared for the conditions and think through the consequences of any accident leading to extended exposure in backcountry terrain. 

Deep snow will also be a hazard until all the new snow has more time to settle. Watch out for tree wells and keep eyes on your partners. Learn more about deep snow safety HERE.

Mt Hood Meadows has picked up 150+ inches of snow in the last 2 weeks with the most recent avalanche cycle starting on 12/22. 

A very large natural avalanche (D3-4) occurred high on the east side of Mt Hood with debris running well below treeline into Heather/Clark Canyon. The timing of this avalanche is unknown, but it is suspected it ran during the last storm ending 12/20. 

Happy Holidays from the NWAC team and stay warm over the next week! 

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