Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger avalanches near and above treeline where you find recently wind drifted snow. Use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees with stiffer snow, thick pillows, or sculpted wind features. For Monday, expect light snow and shifting wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Use caution on leeward slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Steer around areas where the wind forms thick drifts and pillows. Avalanches may be larger and easier to trigger above treeline. At higher elevations, you will find most of the snow has been stripped from the windward aspects and loaded onto the leeward slopes. Winds had previously been out of the west and will switch to southeast on Monday. 

    (12/12/2021) Minor cracking in wind drifted snow in the Vista Ridge area near Mt Hood Meadows (SE aspect, 6200ft) Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

On Sunday, NWAC Forecaster Andrew Kiefer traveled in the Vista Ridge area up to 6400ft. He found over 3 feet of recent snow since December 8th. Andrew reported isolated cracking in the snow and two small (D1) avalanches on an east aspect near 5800ft in the White River drainage. See the photo below.

On Saturday morning, December 12th, an avalanche fatality occurred in Silver Basin area of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community. See the accident report for details. 

Uphill travel reminder: Check in with your local ski area this weekend regarding terrain access and parking updates. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations.

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