Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As the day progresses, look for unstable pockets of wind-blown snow. You’ll find these pockets forming under cornices, on the lee-side of ridges, and scattered in the alpine.  Actively blowing snow and fresh cornices can help you identify slopes of concern. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    We’re not expecting a big punch of precipitation (2-4 in of snow) out of this system. However,  it should be enough- combined with the winds- to create a fresh batch of shallow wind slabs during the afternoon hours.  You’ll encounter these shallow slabs on the down-wind side of ridges, under cornices, and peppered in the alpine.  Later in the day, these wind-drifted slabs may be easy to trigger since they may not bond well to the underlying slick crust. 

    Look for wind-textured surfaces, pillow-like slabs, or cornices forming to help you identify slopes of concern. Steer around steep wind-loaded slopes if you see these signs or notice unstable snow underfoot, such as shooting cracks. 

    (1/22/2023)

    You may notice shallow instabilties like this on Friday. Look for wind-stiffened snow, cracking,  or snow sliding easily to help you idenitfy areas of concern. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

This won’t be a big storm, but there should be enough new precipitation and wind to notch up the avalanche hazard at upper elevations. The snow should start up sometime mid-day, so expect rising avalanche danger during the afternoon/evening hours.  If you find yourself out during the later afternoon, be on the lookout for freshly forming wind slabs.  

Many adjacent zones to the north have been observing weak, sugary snow at the surface. The Mt Hood zone has limited observations pointing at this, however, it should be something on your mind as new snow continues to trickle in. You will most likely find this near-surface faceted snow in more shaded and sheltered pockets. If you do find any weak surfaces, please let us know by submitting an observation. 

 The slip and fall hazard should still be on your mind on Friday as you travel. The mid and upper elevations of Mt Hood are plagued with firm and icy surfaces. So be sure to pack your sharps kit (crampons and ice axe) if you plan on traveling on exposed slopes.

Thanks for reading. 

Regions covered