Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Shallow amounts of new and recent snow continue to form small but reactive drifts in exposed terrain. Don't let these catch you off guard where the consequences are elevated. You can identify and steer around these lens-shaped pillows to the lee of ridgelines. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Mt Hood picked up 1-3" of snow Sunday night with strong winds redistributing that snow . We expect another inch of snowfall possible late Tuesday as SSW winds ramp up. Expect to find two layers of wind slab in the terrain. The older ones might be firm, stubborn and irregularly distributed by the strong winds; while the newer ones might be softer, actively forming, and easier to trigger. Both varieties should be shallow (6-8" thick), residing above a firm melt-freeze 3/10 crust that makes the drifting easier to identify. Snow has moved from the scoured sides of ridgelines and deposited onto the lee slopes. The most reactive slabs are likely to form just in the lee of ridgelines, under fresh, sharp cornices. They may also lurk at rollovers in the terrain or on the sides of morraines. The 3/10 crust will serve as a ready sliding surface for any slabs you detatch. You can test how well the slabs are bonding to the 3/10 crust and how sensitive they are to human trigger on small, representative test slopes before committing to larger terrain. You should become increasingly alert to the problem as you ascend in the terrain as slabs may increase in size and distribution. The danger will also rise late in the day with fresh snowfall and wind. Be especially cautious where slab could push you into a gully or over a cliff.

    Example: Uptrack test shows cracking in wind drifted snow. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

We're expecting a storm cycle to ramp up in the latter half of the week. However, through Tuesday, the recent snow and associated slabs remain shallow, and the crust near the snow surface limits the size of potential avalanches. In less wind-hammered areas, thinner clouds or periods of sun in the morning hours could initiate very small wet loose avalanches on steep, sun-affected slopes. If you see rollerballs, adjust your aspect and don't linger under steep, rocky terrain.

Prior to the storm, we recieved many reports of firm, icy surfaces. This should be on your mind when crossing steeper slopes. Consider bringing traction and a way to self-arrest if you climb or ski in steep terrain on Tuesday. Keep in mind that a few inches of new snow may make it hard to dig an edge into the crust. A small avalanche or a slip in the wrong spot could easily turn consequential. A small wet loose incident turned into a longer-than-expected ride involving a crust in the Snoqualmie Pass backcountry on Monday; this serves as a reminder of a similar risk that exists on Mt Hood.

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