Mt Hood

Spring-like avalanche concerns remain very isolated. Firm crusts remain your greatest concern, so ensure you can arrest a fall before crossing a steep icy slope. Elusive reports of softer dry snow in north-facing trees or sun-warmed corn present more appealing riding conditions.

Most elevations have experienced above freezing temperatures for approximately one week. Temperatures peaked January 13th and 14th, but have only dropped into the 40s at middle elevations. Although the temperatures are unusually warm, the snowpack is adjusting to the spring-like weather. Many sun-exposed slopes have formed thick crusts (1" thick), which are growing by the day.  Some higher elevation and shady aspects that previously held dry snow have also formed a thin melt-freeze crust. Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol did report some sugary dry snow in north-facing trees at lower elevations...perhaps a pleasant surprise if you find it!

Despite the warmth, full sunshine, and very light winds forecast again on Sunday, we're expecting minimal avalanche activity as the sun is unlikely to have the energy to break through the crusts. In case we're wrong, maintain vigilance as snow surfaces soften and become wet. If you find the snow becomes unsupportive, expect the potential for natural or human-triggered wet avalanches on a steep slope. If you find these conditions, shift to shaded aspects and reduce your exposure to slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

Icy and slick snow surfaces have been reported the past few days, particularly during the morning hours. Keep the potential for long, sliding fall hazards on your mind once again on Sunday. Make sure to have the proper traction and be ready to arrest a fall. 

Before our warm-up, 20-30 inches of snow fell over the stout January 3rd crust.  We saw a few large to very large natural avalanches that likely ran on or above this crust during the stormy period on Jan 6th-8th. Since the storm ended, avalanche activity was mainly confined to wind-drifted terrain, but these slabs are now unreactive. The upper snowpack remains heavily wind-affected. Backcountry travelers are generally finding a strong, well-bonded snowpack to the underlying January 3rd crust.