Mt Hood

Generally, safe avalanche conditions exist. Look for daytime warming on steep sun-exposed slopes. If you find yourself sinking into the snow more than ankle-deep, move to terrain that is getting less direct sun or below 35 degrees in slope angle.

Temperatures were markedly cooler at Mt. Hood on Sunday and Monday due to strong winds and overnight freezes. Temperatures should remain cool Tuesday. NWAC professionals near Mt. Hood Meadows reported ~2" of ski penetration on most aspects above a consolidating snowpack on Sunday. Reports from Meadows Pro Patrol on Monday echo this and noted that North facing aspects were very slow to warm. Temperatures are currently not rising fast enough to create a risk of loose wet avalanches except very steep and sun-exposed locations. Recent warm weather and strong winds formed crusts on most aspects.

Minimize your exposure to cornices if you travel on or below ridgelines. The sun has exposed rocks near ridgelines and on south and west-facing slopes. At low elevations, creeks may contain significant flow and snow bridges are beginning to become suspect.

As we continue into spring, we're experiencing a gradual transition from a colder layered snowpack to a wet spring snowpack. That transition takes place from the top down. If you dig down in the snow, pay attention to how deeply meltwater has percolated, and please consider sharing your finding on the public observations page. This will improve our ability to forecast wet avalanche problems as the spring snowpack evolves.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.