Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche hazard will rise Tuesday afternoon and increase further Tuesday night as fresh wind slabs grow deeper.  Slab avalanches may be easier to trigger than you expect on slopes where they build over weaker snow.  Use caution when approaching steep slopes where you find freshly drifted snow.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    SE winds should ramp up quickly on Tuesday and easily move around the recent low-density snow that fell Sunday and Sunday night.  With a change in wind direction, you may find wind slabs in place you don't usually expect or cross-loading slopes and making them tricky to manage. 

    Feel for firm or hollow sounding snow as you travel higher in the terrain and change aspects. Watch for shooting cracks in the surface snow as a clear sign of instability.  Use caution when approaching open slopes steeper than 35 degrees; with a variety of weak snow grains found over the mid-January firm crust,  slab avalanches may be easier to trigger than you expect. 

    If you're traveling before winds increase or in wind-sheltered terrain, you may trigger small loose snow avalanches on very steep or extreme terrain features.  Small avalanches of any type can still cause you trouble when paired with terrain traps like cliff bands, thick trees, or exposed obstacles. 

    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.

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 and lower the risk regarding other recent travel hazards.  Moderate WSW winds Sunday night helped build shallow wind slabs above treeline. Mt Hood pro-patrol were able to trigger 4-8" wind slabs above treeline on Monday during avalanche mitigation.  

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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