Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You'll generally encounter safe avalanche conditions in areas where you find slick, refrozen surfaces. However, still keep an eye out for isolated pockets of wind drifted snow at upper elevations and small wet loose slides on steep solar slopes if the sun pokes out. The long sliding fall risk will likely be your greatest hazard in upper mountain skiing or climbing terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    While it should stay mostly cloudy and firm on Thursday, we have uncertainty regarding the cloud forecast and duration of possible sun breaks. In the case the sun pokes out and melts the surface crust, it may be possible for you to trigger a small wet loose in middle and lower elevation terrain. These should generally be small and isolated if they occur, but its worth to keep them on your radar if you notice wet snow resembling oatmeal under your skis or feet. Rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet sloppy snow are all precursors to wet loose avalanches. 

    (2/22/2024)

    Sloppy snow and rollerballs are signs the signs the surface is becoming wet and weak. 

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is slowly transitioning from winter to spring, although it's not totally there yet. With some effort youcan still find a winter-like snowpack at higher elevations (mainly above 8000 ft) and on shaded aspects around Mt Hood. In these areas, finding a small, rogue wind slab is not totally out of the question. As you travel at upper elevations, use caution and carefully assess features that could hold wind-drifted snow. Look for signs of instability like cracking or collapsing before committing to larger lines. Remember, you don't need a large avalanche to ruin your day in consequential terrain.

Below this, you'll generally encounter firm, refrozen surfaces. Rime ice has been prominent across windward features and ridgelines, making for firm travel. So be prepared for slick travel by packing your crampons, ice axe, and the ability to arrest a fall. 

Cornices have been sagging with recent warm temperatures. Give these fragile overhanging blocks of snow some space.

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