Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. It will be easy to trigger large avalanches on Friday. Stay off slopes over 35 degrees with windblown snow, give cornices wide berth, and do not linger below steep open slopes. At lower elevations, rising temperatures will make triggering heavy wet avalanches likely on terrain features over 35 degrees. Use extra caution near terrain traps like cliffs and creeks even a small wet avalanche can be surprisingly powerful.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong winds and heavy snowfall built fresh wind slabs through the day Thursday. Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol reported easy to trigger and widely propagating wind slabs 1-2' deep with ski cuts below 6500' and much larger explosive triggered avalanches above 6500'. These slides were running on a weak layer of snow just above the most recent melt-freeze crust formed on 12/29. In the backcountry, it is likely that similar large avalanches remain untriggered. 

    Avoid travel on slopes steeper than 35 degrees where windblown snow has accumulated and on terrain below or connected to steep open slopes. Avalanches may run to valley bottoms. Cornices are sensitive-give them wide berth and keep out from under them.  Firm and textured snow as well as cracking in the snow are signs you could trigger an avalanche.

    (12/18/2020) Debris from a large, natural, wind slab avlanche on Mt Hood.

  • Loose Wet

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

    At lower elevations and in wind-sheltered areas 8-12 inches of recent snow has accumulated.  Snow levels are expected to rise to 7000' Friday and this recent snow will become wet and unstable. With the new snow and rising temperatures, large avalanches will be likely. Watch for signs of warming such as rain, roller balls on the snow surface and trees dripping water to indicate the snow surface weakening. Navigate around slopes steeper than 35 degrees and avoid features such as convex rolls and unsupported slopes like those above cliffs or creeks.

    (12/18/2020) This natural loose wet avalanche example is from a neighboring forecast zone.

Avalanche Discussion

A skier was partially buried on Wednesday in a wind slab (photo below) and many recent and easy to trigger avalanches were reported by ski patrol. Slopes that have not naturally avlanched will be primed to do so as temperatures rise Friday.

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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