Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Another storm arrives Wednesday. Expect dangerous avalanche conditions to develop late afternoon in wind-loaded alpine terrain. Monitor changing conditions throughout the day and seek out wind-sheltered or lower-angled slopes to reduce your risk.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avalanches in wind-drifted snow were easy to trigger on Tuesday, and conditions will only worsen as the next storm arrives. Additional snow and wind will create fresh drifts and thicken existing slabs. Steep wind-loaded slopes will be reactive to human traffic. Large natural avalanches will even be possible in some alpine areas by day's end. Avoid freshly wind-loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and rocky outcrops.

    (12/14/2021)

    An intentionally triggered avalanche (D1) in Salmon River that broke 6-12in deep and 30ft wide in wind-drifted snow (6200ft, SE). The avalanche was triggered by a skier from a short distance away on the low-angled ridge.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The snow will continue to stack up with an additional 6-8in expected above 3000ft by Thursday afternoon. The new snow will be light and cohesionless in wind-sheltered areas. It will also fall on cold, old snow surfaces, and may not bond well initially. You may be able to trigger loose snow avalanches on steep unsupported slopes. These avalanches may be small, but could knock you off your feet, or carry you into rocks or trees. Avoid terrain traps like gullies where debris can concentrate and areas above cliffs where even small avalanches have consequences.

    (12/14/2021)

    Small dry loose activity in steep, rocky terrain below treeline on the southside of Mt Hood.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

Stormy conditions look to return Wednesday with rising avalanche danger throughout the day. Carefully evaluate the new snow and seek out simple terrain if you observe recent avalanches, cracking, or collapsing.

Tuesday was cold and clear with good visibility for the first time in over a week. A handful of large natural avalanches occurred recently high in the alpine, but evidence of avalanche activity was quickly disappearing with continued wind-loading. On steep leeward slopes near and above treeline, avalanches in wind-drifted snow were easy to trigger from above, below, and even from a distance.  Small loose dry sluffs ran naturally in wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations. The recent storm series (Dec. 8-13) delivered 4-5ft of new snow and created a layered snowpack in all elevation bands. 

Uphill travel reminder: Continue to check in with your local ski area regarding terrain access and parking updates. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations.

Regions covered