Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You can trigger avalanches in locations where the wind has blown recent snow into stiff, textured slabs. Look for signs of recent wind transport and use snowpack assessments before skiing, climbing, or riding on steep slopes that promote drifting. Periods of sunshine and warming may produce a round of wet avalanches. Move to shadier slopes if you notice wet, sticky snow or rollerballs shedding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several days of drifting and tickles of new snow have built cohesive slabs on lee slopes across Mt Hood. Winds have generally blown from the W/SW, so look for these slabs on NE-SE aspects. However, use visual clues like blowing snow or surface textures to help you identify where the wind has been at work. You can use small test slopes or hand pits to help you gauge slab reactivity. Pull away from wind-loaded features if you notice shooting cracks or stiff, hollow-sounding snow. 

    (4/7/2024)

    The MHM Patrol triggered this large avalanche in wind-drifted snow during avalanche reduction work on Sunday morning. 

    Clark Canyon: East Aspect @ 7500 ft. 

    Photo: Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol

  • Loose Wet

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

    Slight warming and sun breaks will maintain the threat of wet avalanches on Monday. Think about moving to less steep or shadier aspects once you notice rollerballs, sticky surfaces under your skis or feet, and pinwheels releasing. The firm underlying crust has proven to be a great surface for wet avalanches to run on, so continue to use caution and default to shadier slopes once you see obvious signs of warming. 

     

    (4/7/2024)

    We have received numerous observations reporting wet loose avalanches across the region over the past few days. 

    Photo: West Carlson

Avalanche Discussion

This past week brought 10-15 inches of new snow over the stout, slick melt-freeze crust. You’ll generally encounter more recent snow on the west side of the mountain closer to Timberline. 

Winds have been steady since April 5th, which built a fresh batch of slabs varying in depth and distribution across Mt Hood. Over the past days, backcountry observers near Timberline reported reactive wind slabs on lee features above 6000 ft . On Sunday, the Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol triggered a couple of large avalanches in wind-drifted snow. One avalanche on the Banana Bench in Clark Canyon ( E aspect, 7500 ft) broke several feet deep in a heavily wind-loaded spot. They also reported widespread rollerballing and signs of warming as the day progressed. 

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