Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Warming temperatures and rain will start making the snow surface wet and weak. As you travel, keep an eye out for changing conditions and look for signs of instability such as rollerballs or recent wet loose avalanches. Be ready to dial it back and move to lower-angle slopes once you start seeing these warning signs.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Freezing levels are on the rise which will start making snow surfaces wet and weak on all aspects and elevations across the compass rose. A widespread crust extends to 7000 ft across the zone, so as temperatures rise and rain starts falling, look for this crust to start breaking down. Above 7000 ft is where you’ll find the softest, driest snow - which may be the quickest areas to react to the rising freezing levels. 

    Sunday will be a good day to pay close attention to your surroundings and the current weather conditions. As you travel, look for signs of warming, such as rollerballs or pinwheels releasing. These signs are often precursors to larger wet avalanches. Rain falling will accelerate this process and will help the snowpack lose cohesion. So if you notice wet avalanches or see these signs, be ready to dial it back and avoid near-by steep slopes. 

    Cornices will start sagging and lose strength as temperatures rise. Give these overhanging pockets of snow some space on Sunday. 

    (4/7/2023)

    As the day warms up and the crust breaks down, looking for warning signs such as rollerballs or pinwheels like this. 

    Photo: Jeff Bursett

Avalanche Discussion

Significant changes are knocking on the doorstep. Sunday will bring rising freezing levels and some rain moving in during the later half of the day. You’ll likely encounter more wet and dangerous conditions as rain starts falling during the late afternoon & evening hours. 

Currently our snowpack can be described as a ‘mixed bag’ of conditions. Below 7000’ you’ll find firm travel on a mostly supportable melt-freeze crust. These elevations have seen a lot in the past days from rain, freezing temperatures, wet loose cycles & etc. Once above 7000’ conditions become slightly more desirable with chalky, drier snow. At these elevations I found enough soft snow to be drifted into shallow slabs (obs here), but still encountered variable and slick travel at times. 

As conditions warm and rain starts falling, be in tune with the changing conditions, especially in areas that still hold a dry snowpack. 

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