Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Prime trasnport winds and fresh snowfall will build fresh slabs that you can trigger on Monday. Drifts will be smaller and more manageabe at middle elevations, but more widespread and more connected across terrain features at upper elevations. Carefully evaluate slab character as you gain elevation.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The avalanche danger will ratchet back up on Monday, thanks to multiple rounds of snowfall and sustained moderate transport winds. The more recent slabs formed within the last 24-hours should be your focus, following some consolidation on Monday. You might be able to identify the depth of the slab over a thin 12/21 mist crust that was reported into upper elevations above Timberline and at Mt Hood Meadows base on Sunday. Start evaluating the slabs as you ascend into drifts 6" or deeper. Identify firm, cohesive snow atop looser dry snow that wants to shear with your favorite quick skintrack test. Fresh, sharp cornices and actively blowing snow can help point you toward the problem areas to the lee of ridgelines. Recognize that these slabs will grow in all dimensions as you ascend, becoming deeper and more connected throughout the terrain. Choose slope angles less than 35 degrees if you engage with wind-loaded slopes.

    If you do head into upper elevations, an old, stubborn slab up to size 2.5 isn't out of the question. These slabs are likely more eratic in distribution and would be more likely to be triggered by a cornice.

    (12/20/2025)

    Reactive snow on a wind loaded slope.

    Photo: Kyle Wyatt

Avalanche Discussion

Mt Hood got a break from the weather on Tuesday as a gradual warming trend continued and winds finally eased into the light range. Mist in the morning formed a crust around Mt Hood Meadows, while mild temperatures in the afternoon helped recent snow to settle. Mt Hood Meadows has around 15" of snow on the ground and coverage remains aspect dependent at middle elevations. Slopes are significantly better connected at upper elevations and likely remain with more snow available for transport. 

Since the major atmospheric river transitioned to snow late on 12/18, Mt Hood picked up over 1.5" of water equivalent that now sits above the 12/18 crust. This crust is well bonded to the snow above it. Observers at Timberline noted 4 distinct layers within the snowpack which are now capped by the mist crust. These layers are likely losing the modest reactivity they had on 12/20. This leads us to focus more on fresher, more reactive slabs forming Sunday night through Monday in terms of avalanche trigger. 

Snowpacks are building, but they remain shallow and submerged obstacles are widespread in lower and middle elevation terrain. The recent rain crust may help, but windward slopes remain stripped of snow and lee aspects have obstacles near the surface. Ride with caution, particularly if you don't know what lies underneath the snowpack. Lower elevations are just on the cusp of having enough snow for recreation with about half a foot of snow on the ground.

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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