Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Slabs forming on atypical aspects will be most challenging to navigate at upper elevations. Ascend into exposed terrain cautiously, avoiding steep slopes where you find areas of actively drifting snow or fresh, sharp cornices. Dial back your exposure to consequential terrain if you initiate shooting cracks or audible whumphs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    An estimated 6-8" of fresh snow fell Monday night and Tuesday with moderate ESE winds redistributing the snow to produce dangerous conditions by the afternoon in exposed areas. Winds and snowfall should ramp down Tuesday night. Wind slabs will be most reactive to start your day on Wednesday, with slabs becoming increasingly stubborn as the day progresses. Slabs formed on atypical aspects and may be large in the upper near treeline band and above treeline areas. Winds have stripped snow down to crusts or old snow interfaces on the E sides of ridgelines, forming deposition zones on the west side. Frequently, you will find these deposits below freshly corniced slopes that may be opposite the larger seasonal cornice cantilevers. With improving visibility on Wednesday, look for wind-textured surfaces and more extensive lense-shaped pillows above crusts or old snow. Use your pole or probe to estimate the average new snow depth and locations of wind loading. Shooting cracks or recent avalanche activity should encourage you to dial back your terrain selection. Steer around wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

    (3/28/2023)

    Some cracking observed in wind drifted pockets on Tuesday. Pea Gravel Ridge.

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

  • Loose Wet

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

    New snow destabilizes quickly when the winds die down and the sun comes out in late March. Such is what we're expecting on Wednesday. In less wind-affected areas, don't linger with exposure to steep slopes on the southern half of the compass when this occurs. Expect rollerballs and then small wet loose avalanches as snow sheds off trees and cliffs.  Small wet loose avalanches could gain enough steam atop the 3/27 crust to bury you in a terrain trap such as a creek or gully.

    Example: A wet loose avalanche on a steep road bank. 

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, NWAC forecasters on Pea Gravel Ridge found around 2 ft of right-side-up snow above the 3/21 crust on a SE aspect at 5300 ft. Shovel shear tests showed the 3/27 interface (no crust present). A layer of weaker (slightly faceted) snow exists below the 3/21 melt-freeze crust. This produced sudden results under compression but didn't propagate across the column at this location. However, another party on Vista Ridge on the opposite side of the mountain got propagation across the column. The layer was down 1.5 ft at that location. You can read their observation here. We will continue to investigate this weakness in the snowpack, but we think it may be difficult to trigger the layer since it exists below the crust. It's worth digging down to and evaluating this layer before moving onto a larger open slope. Several graupel layers also exist in the snowpack and are worth evaluating while you're at it.

If you're out there enjoying the backcountry take a few minutes and let us know what you see by submitting an observation!

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