Mt Hood

Avalanche conditions are generally safe around Mt. Hood. The only place that could harbor some isolated instability would be shaded, upper mountain terrain where thin slabs of drifted snow could exist. Widespread firm surfaces and long, sliding falls will be your most significant hazards. 

Sunday will be a transition day before a small weather system brings a modest shot of precipitation  (.3-.4 in SWE) during the evening hours. Weather forecasts are calling for increasing clouds and steady, strong SW winds, which may keep surfaces firm and locked up on many upper elevation slopes. With these widespread firm surfaces, climbers will find more desirable conditions than folks trying to ski or ride. Any surface softening on solar aspects will likely be limited to lower and mid elevations during sunny periods, and that's if they’re sheltered enough from the strong winds. 

The avalanche danger may be low, but keep some things in mind:

Long, Sliding Falls: With the current firm, icy conditions, even a minor misstep or lost edge can rapidly escalate into a long, uncontrolled slide.  Be ready for firm snow travel at all elevations with nearly impenetrable surfaces as you move into exposed, alpine terrain. Keep in mind that a slip in steep terrain will be difficult to arrest, so carefully choose your route and move methodically through steep snow sections.  As we know, ski or board edges don’t penetrate ice well either, so know your ability and the snow you drop in on. It won't be the day to leave any sharp gear (crampons/ice axe) behind; bring it all and a conservative mindset. 

Wind Slabs: Yes, it's firm, but there are a few small wind slabs kicking around if you look hard enough. The best chance to find one would be in a shaded, upper elevation feature above 7000 ft.  In most areas, these have proven unreactive in the past days, but that may not be the case in all locations, especially in upper mountain gullies and chutes. As you move through higher terrain, look for smooth, textured pockets that may sound hollow and crack under your feet or skis. Any triggered wind slab would be small, but it could easily result in a long, uncontrolled fall on our firm surfaces. 

Wet loose avalanches:  These will be few and far between, if any. However, due to a poor overnight refreeze, you may be able to push small wet sluffs in steep lower and mid-elevation terrain during sunny periods in the afternoon. There are also a few glide cracks and chunks of snow hanging on rock slabs in the White River and Newton Canyons. Limit the time you spend under these cracks and overhanging chunks of snow.  

Normal Caution: Last but not least, continue to use best-practice safe travel techniques and carry avalanche rescue gear. As you travel through steep terrain, only expose one person at a time and re-group in safe locations. 

You can help us gather more data by submitting an observation HERE or via the Avy App.