Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Fresh and sensitive wind slabs will build above weak snow and firm surfaces creating slab avalanches that will be easy to trigger on slopes accumulating wind drifted snow. Choose slopes under 35 degrees where you see textured snow and fresh drifts.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    SE winds are ramping up quickly on Tuesday evening and. These winds will rapidly transport new snow falling Tuesday night and the few inches of dry snow from the previous cold days.  

    Feel for firm or hollow sounding snow and watch for fresh drifts or textured surfaces as a sign of recent wind loading. Shooting cracks in the surface snow are a clear sign of instability.  Use caution when approaching open slopes steeper than 35 degrees; with a variety of weak surface snow grains and the mid-January firm crust,  slab avalanches may be easier to trigger than you expect. 

    Firmer wind slab avalanches like the one in this photo will be easier to trigger as the day wears on and winds continue to move snow.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Cold temperatures will result in higher snow totals than we might typically expect from the modest precipitation in the forecast. Soft, deep snow may slide easily on the firm surfaces from mid-January that are still near the surface. Uphill travel has been challenging despite the recent coat of snow. Pockets of deeper snow will slide easily on the same crust that makes travel challenging. Steer around steep start zones (slopes greater than 35 degrees) where you find more than 8-10" of snow above the old rain crust.

Avalanche Discussion

The weekend weather system was a bit less than hoped for, only producing 3-6" of snow,  but the new snow did help refresh surfaces. Travel however is still challenging, one report described difficulty setting a fresh skin track due to the icy crust under the recent snow.

Shallow wind slabs above treeline have been running on the firm crust. A pattern of recurring avalanches on this layer will likely be with us until a warmer storm brings wetter snow to bond to this old icy surface.

Hiding under a new soft exterior you may find weak snow, thin breakable crusts, old avalanche debris and firm icy surfaces. The stout mid-January crust should be considered the new "ground" moving forward with a strong snowpack structure in place below this layer. 

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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