Mt Hood

While avalanche conditions are generally safe, travel conditions remain rugged around Mt. Hood. Be ready for firm, slide-for-life surfaces on most slopes. A slip or fall in steep terrain will be difficult to arrest, so be mindful of your route and equip yourself with crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet to help manage these unforgiving surfaces. 

If you went out on Saturday, you were probably greeted by strong NE winds, cold temperatures, and challenging travel. Sunday is shaping up to be similar, but a touch warmer and less windy as the day progresses. The morning will feel cold, but freezing levels should start climbing during the late afternoon and evening hours. If you play your aspect and timing carefully, you might be able to score some softening surfaces along solar aspects (SW-SE) at middle and lower elevations during the early afternoon hours.

 As low avalanche danger persists, keep some things in mind:

• Long, sliding falls will continue to be your most concerning hazard during this period.Observations continue to trickle in reporting sliding falls in steep upper mountain terrain. It won’t be the weekend to save on weight. Bring the crampons, ice axe,  helmet, and the ability to use this gear properly before climbing or skiing in steep, consequential terrain. Keep in mind that ski edges don’t penetrate ice well either, so know your ability and the current surface conditions before dropping into steeper lines.
• Triggering a wind slab is unlikely, but not impossible, especially on upper mountain terrain features. On Saturday, forecasters observed the strong NE winds drifting snow onto the Sandy Headwall and Reid Glacier side of the mountain. If you find yourself traveling at the highest elevations, still be on the look-out for wind-stiffened slabs. Look for blowing snow and wind-textured dunes to help you anticipate where wind slabs may lurk. 
• Continue to use normal caution and best-practice backcountry travel techniques. Carry avalanche rescue gear and only expose one rider or climber at a time to steeper, complex terrain. 

While not a problem right now, the snowpack continues to weaken during this prolonged period of high pressure. Snow surfaces vary widely between slick crusts, old wind-drifted snow, sastrugi, and even some softer, faceting snow on true northerlies in sheltered terrain. The distribution of weak snow surfaces varies, but below the surface plenty of faceted snow can be found, often sandwiched between crust layers. This structure is not currently an issue in most places, but it could be a different story once there is a slab above.

Even during long periods of high pressure, observations are key in producing a more accurate avalanche forecast. Let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.