Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Mt. Hood typically falls apart during extended warm-ups like this. Until we see a solid refreeze, triggering wet avalanches will remain a real possibility on steep slopes that feel wet, sticky, and unsupportable. Travel early, and head for shadier slopes or lower-angle terrain once the upper snowpack feels sloppy or starts shedding downhill. Pay attention to other warming-induced hazards, such as sagging cornices and chunks of snow or rime that could peel off steep features without warning. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Another warm day with minimal overnight refreeze will maintain wet-snow instabilities as the morning warms. Monday should be windier in the alpine, but it probably won’t be enough to limit wet snow instabilities on any slope that catches significant sun due to such warm temperatures. The past days have provided good feedback that triggering wet loose avalanches is possible on steep slopes where the snowpack feels unsupportable and sticky. It's been hot enough that you may find these wet snow instabilities on more shaded aspects or higher up the mountain than you normally see. 

    Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as classic warning signs to larger wet loose avalanches. The upper snowpack has not fully transitioned from dry to wet yet, so let sticky surfaces serve as another indicator that wet loose avalanches can be triggered. Triggering a wet slab is unlikely and very difficult to assess, but not necessarily impossible in terrain that was previously wind-loaded, especially as the snowpack transitions from winter-like to a more predictable spring melt-freeze structure. 

    The hot weather has also weakened cornices and widened glide cracks in some areas. Limit your exposure where you find these bigger overhanging chunks of snow, as they often fail without warning.

    (4/4/2026)

    Features like this may be excellent places to trigger wet avalanches on Monday.

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Warm weather continues around Mount Hood, with freezing levels hovering near 11,000 ft. It's been a couple of days since we’ve seen a proper overnight refreeze at middle and lower elevations, with upper elevations experiencing a slightly better freeze thanks to mostly clear skies. Backcountry travelers continue to find firm morning travel in the alpine, so consider packing the crampons and ice axe for safer, more efficient travel. 

As the morning warms up, expect the mountain to start shedding, and watch for wet-snow instabilities to wake up on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On Saturday and Sunday, avalanche professionals reported easily triggering small, wet, loose avalanches at middle elevations and some sunny upper elevations, and found signs of warming on east aspects at the highest elevations on Mt. Hood.

While it may feel like volcano season, the snowpack isn’t quite resembling a true melt-freeze cycle yet. If you dig down, you’ll still find dry or moist snow resting over a very stout crust that was buried on 3/31. Until the snowpack fully transitions into spring, continue to approach steep terrain with caution, especially above the forecast zone where observations have been more limited. 

If you're planning on climbing or skiing Mt. Hood, consider checking out the Mt. Hood Climbing Ranger page for up-to-date condition information on the upper mountain. 

Are you heading out?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.

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