Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Thursday will present a mix of avalanche hazards. Above around 5500', expect that you can trigger a wind slab on lee slopes where you find wind accumulated snow. On sunny slopes, steeper than 35 degrees, you will be able to initiate loose wet avalanches by midmorning. Choose terrain under 35 degrees where you find the sun creating wet snow surfaces or snow drifted by the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Small, but steady snow accumulations began to build fresh wind slabs over the last few days. Monday morning's snowfall allowed wind slabs to grow larger and deeper and Wednesday brought additional snow that will continue to grow any lingering wind slabs. Wind slabs and sensitive fresh cornices will create heightened avalanche conditions on steep and poorly supported slopes at upper and middle elevations. A north component to upper elevation winds has resulted in wind slabs in unusual locations and added to the possibility of low elevation wind slabs. Use your powers of observation to identify the signs of recently wind-transported snow. Look for actively blowing snow, pillow-like drifts, fresh cornices, and stiff or textured snow as a sign that you could trigger a wind slab avalanche. Steer around steep start zones and slopes over 35 degrees where you see these signs.

    Example: Blowing snow deposits below ridgelines forming wind slabs. Photo: Shane Robinson

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    On some parts of the Mt Hood the sun will begin to shine by the afternoon and weaken the fresh snow surface. Slopes receiving direct sunshine will be likely places for you to trigger loose wet avalanches in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. Upper elevations will likely remain cool and limit the possibility of wet avalanches above treeline. However, the effect of the sun will be strong on the fresh snow. Look for signs of warming such as temperatures above freezing, rollerballs on the snow surface and trees dripping water, and shedding snow. Where you see these signs choose slopes less than 35 degrees or seek shadier aspects. Even small wet avalanches may run further and faster than you expect above the old melt-freeze crust from last week. Use extra caution near terrain traps such as cliffs and creeks.

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday night and Monday brought significant new snow accumulation to Mt. Hood (12-18" at ski area bases). Another round of new snow continues Wednesday afternoon and night. Wind slabs are firm and stubborn but have the potential to be large. Avalanche problems should be confined to recent snow which sits above a melt-freeze crust formed during warm and sunny weather last week. Both wind slabs and loose wet avalanches will run easily on top of last week's melt-freeze crust. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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