Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Give your attention to the fresh snow on the surface. At lower elevations, warming and sunshine will result in loose wet avalanches. At upper elevations, wind deposited snow may still produce avalanches on lee slopes. Navigate around slopes where you find wind deposited snow and where sunshine and warm temperatures affect the snow surface stay away from slopes over 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Most loose wet avalanches will be small and predictable. Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs.  Trees dripping water are often the first clue of warming--unstable snow will follow. Consider the consequence of even a small avalanche in terrain above cliffs and creeks.

    Rollerballs like these are a great indication that the snow surface is becoming wet and unstable. They can be the precursor to loose wet avalanches. When you see new rollerballs, steer away from similar slopes.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    If you travel near or above treeline Thursday, you'll likely find firm wind stiffened snow on a variety of aspects due to the strong-extreme W-NW winds Monday night and Tuesday.  Several natural D1-2 (large enough to bury a person) wind slabs were observed Wednesday on steep, north and east facing terrain. Wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggering where they've bonded poorly to the most recently formed crust. 

    You can test the bond of the new snow to the crust on small test slopes. Sticking to wind-scoured ridgelines and to slopes less than 35 degrees will help you avoid the problem Thursday.  

    Example of cracking in a fresh wind drift on a small test slope.

Avalanche Discussion

After 7 inches of rain over the weekend, it was surprising that very little evidence of natural avalanches was observed over the last few days. Monday, professionals reported water had penetrated down 3 ft (1m) in the snowpack at 6600' and below.  Recent snow from Monday and Tuesday morning is generally well bonded to the old rain-soaked surface snow. A layer of weak snow is buried below the rain crust formed on 12/9/20, but it has been moistened by the weekend's rain and should heal quickly. Give your attention to the recent snow, either wind affected or sun/warmth affected depending on your elevation.

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.

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