Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Cold snowfall and strong winds will continue on Christmas Day and maintain dangerous avalanche conditions. Large natural avalanches are still possible in wind-loaded alpine areas, and human-triggered avalanches are likely on all slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Stick to simple, low-angle terrain and minimize exposure to overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    An additional 6-12in of new snow over the next 24 hours will bring storm totals since 12/21 to over 3ft. Westerly winds will continue to blow, forming fresh drifts and thickening existing slabs. Avalanches will become larger and more widespread as you climb up in elevation.  We are in the midst of a very active pattern with the lingering potential for very large natural avalanches in isolated alpine areas. These avalanches could break several feet thick and run far distances. Shallower avalanches in wind drifted snow will be easy to trigger in many areas. Continue to avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and approach upper elevation terrain with caution. 

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slabs up to 18in thick were touchy to triggers on Friday. Continued snowfall will not help the situation, so give the snowpack time to adjust. Slabs could be just a few inches thick within the most recent snow or break deeper within a variety of inter-storm layers. Avalanches will be most likley during periods of intense precipitation. With all the new snow, you may even find loose snow avalanches running far and fast. While the storm continues, avoid unsupported slopes 35 degrees and steeper and wait before pushing into bigger terrain.

    (12/20/2021) Example of a small skier triggered storm slab from the last storm 12/18-20. Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

Cold, low-density snow is stacking up and maintaining dangerous avalanche conditions. Some of the coldest temperatures of the year will arrive this weekend and continue into next week, and snowfall doesn't look to end anytime soon. If you venture out during the storm this weekend, travel cautiously and choose low-consequence terrain.

Several triggered avalanches 6-18in thick were reported Thursday and Friday. In wind-sheltered areas, avalanches have had both storm slab and dry loose characteristics. Additionally, a very large natural avalanche (D3-4) occurred high on the east side of Mt Hood with debris running well below treeline into Heather/Clark Canyon. The timing of this avalanche is unknown, but it is suspected it ran during the last storm ending 12/20.

Deep snow will also be a hazard through the weekend. Watch out for tree wells and keep eyes on your partners. Learn more about deep snow safety HERE.

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