Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Extreme winds Friday formed firm wind slabs further downslope than typical and in unusual locations. Minimize your exposure to avalanches by navigating around terrain features and start zones over 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Strong to extreme winds built firm wind slabs in unusual locations. Typical start zones may be wind-swept, but if you find a pocket of wind accumulated snow, it is likely to be large, firm, and difficult to escape in exposed terrain. Seek wind-sheltered terrain where possible. Avoid areas of active snow transport and wind-loading. Pay attention to cracking snow surfaces and firm, punchy layering. Avoid wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially midslope convexities and shallow ridges.

    Below treeline, slabs may be smaller, softer, and easier to steer around if you can identify the subtle, stiffer slab or find 8" of fresh snow. In either case, keep your slope angle below 35 degrees and avoid convex rollovers.

     

    Blowing snow, firm and textured snow, and cornice formation are all evidence that wind slabs are likely to be forming on lee slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol reported a stabilizing upper snowpack on Thursday and largely wind-swept start-zones on Friday. Eastern slopes and higher elevations warmed significantly Friday, but steady wind kept the snow surface from warming to the point of loose wet avalanches. You may find a thin temperature or light "mist" crust on southerly aspects extending up to 7000 ft. 

The stout mid-January crust is considered the new "ground" with a strong snowpack structure in place below this layer. Weak and faceted snow just above the stout rain crust was responsible for a number of avalanches last week, but no new evidence of avalanches on this interface suggests these facets are gaining strength. 

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.

Regions covered