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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 13th, 2018–Feb 14th, 2018

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Mt Hood.

Avalanche conditions will begin to change Wednesday as moderate westerly winds transport new snowfall and quickly build fresh wind slabs on lee slopes near and above treeline. Avoid steep slopes with wind deposited snow such as below cornices, on wind drifts, and near uneven snow surfaces. Shallow storm slabs may develop in less wind affected areas throughout the terrain Wednesday.

Detailed Forecast

A quick moving frontal system should bring fresh snowfall to Mt. Hood late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning along with much cooler temperatures. 6-12 inches of new snow may bond poorly to a medley of wind sculpted snow surfaces or surface crusts.

Avalanche conditions will begin to change Wednesday as moderate westerly winds transport new snowfall and quickly build fresh wind slabs on lee slopes near and above treeline. Avoid steep slopes with wind deposited snow such as below cornices, on wind drifts, and near uneven snow surfaces. Shallow storm slabs may develop in less wind affected areas throughout the terrain Wednesday. Watch for developing storm slab instabilities during extended periods of intense snowfall. 

Loose dry avalanches will not be listed as a problem but will be possible on very steep slopes. Be aware of the consequences of a loose dry avalanche near terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or open creeks. In areas where shallow loose new snow bonds poorly to the underlying crust, avoid steep icy slopes where it will be difficult to stop a fall. 

Snowpack Discussion

Temperatures pushed into the upper 30s and 40s under mostly sunny skies Tuesday. Westerly winds near and above treeline picked up late in the day. Softened snow surfaces will quickly refreeze due to winds and cooling temperatures Tuesday night.

Warm and wet weather the first week of February created a strong and consolidated snowpack. The current snowpack consist of numerous old crusts and very strong refrozen layers. There are no significant layers of concern at this time.

No avalanches have been observed over the last several days.

Observations

Mt Hood Meadows ski patrol Sunday reported very firm surface snow conditions resulting in no current avalanche problems.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.