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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche conditions will become more dynamic as you gain elevation on Monday. Look for wind drifted slabs to increase in size and sensitivity as you climb above 6000 ft. Stay on your game as you move from slope to slope since strong winds from various directions have loaded many features in the past days. 

0730 Morning Update: Changed some wording due to higher overnight snow totals. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You’ll have two flavors of wind slab to consider on Monday:

    1. The first will be the fresh wind slabs that formed from the 4-6 inches of snow that fell overnight . These will generally be soft and shallow, but could trigger easily during the morning hours. Look for these on the typical leeward slopes. These will often lurk below cornices, on the downwind side of ridges, and scattered through the alpine. 

    2). The second is the stiffer, denser wind slabs formed during our strong east wind event on Sunday, 3/30. These hard slabs will range in size and depth but could be more consequential if triggered. East winds will often load up unusual aspects (like west facing slopes), so keep these hard slabs on your radar as you change aspect or ski into canyon terrain. 

    Focus your attention to blowing snow and terrain features that promote drifting to help you identify slopes of concern. Wind slabs will often look textured and feel stiffer under your skis or feet. You can probe around with your ski pole to help you feel for stiffer pockets. Using quick handpits or small test slopes are also great tools for you to gauage slab reactivity. Pump the brakes and steer around steep wind-loaded slopes if you notice active loading, shooting cracks, or drum-like surfaces. 

    (3/21/2025)

    Signs of wind affected snow and potential wind slabs. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

While recent accumulations have been light, riding conditions have improved, especially above 7500 ft. Mid and lower-elevation areas have experienced more pronounced temperature fluctuations over the past days, making conditions generally firm and challenging the lower you are. As you crest above 7500 ft, you start noticing more soft snow availble for transport and as a result, more heightened avalanche conditions. 

Whether you’re traveling at below 7500 ft or across exposed terrain in the alpine there are still plenty of firm and scoured surfaces that demand the proper ‘sharps’ gear in steep terrain. While the new snow accumaltions may improve riding in lower angled terrain, it may just act as dust on crust on steep slopes that were scoured ice in previous days. 

The bulk of wet avalanche activity has come and gone. Most surfaces are firm and supportable; that being said, during daytime warming, pay attention to boot penetrations and consider steering around steep features if you notice yourself sink past your boot top in wet, mushy snow.  Any periods of sun or daytime warming this time of year could produce small (D1) wet loose avalanches entraining new snow. 

If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.

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