Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 31st, 2019–Feb 1st, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Mt Hood.

The Bottom Line: An incoming weather system may build shallow wind slabs above treeline Friday but should otherwise do little to change the generally safe avalanche conditions in the Mt. Hood area. If snowfall at higher elevations becomes heavier than forecast, avalanche conditions will deteriorate and you'll need to adjust your terrain choices appropriately.

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

Surface crusts have formed on most aspects and elevations following a week of dry, mild and sunny weather at the end of January. Avalanche conditions will tied to how quickly and at what elevations new snow avalanche problems develop over the next few days.

Right now we don't think we'll receive enough snow to markedly increase the avalanche hazard save for lee slopes above the rain-line in higher terrain. Pay attention if snowfall totals at higher elevations are higher than expected. You'll need to change your travel plans if you see conditions developing differently than forecast.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.