Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Identify freshly windblown snow at upper elevations and near wind-exposed ridges by its firm or textured appearance and navigate around steep lee slopes where you find wind-blown snow accumulating.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Steady west winds have formed shallow wind slabs with the new snowfall from the weekend. Expect wind slabs to be small and specific to locations like lee slopes near ridge crests. Lighter and shifting winds occurred Monday, but previous wind slabs likely still remain in place. Where you find small cornices and wind drifted snow, slabs may be easy to trigger. Shooting cracks in the snow are a clear sign that you could trigger a wind slab. Higher elevation slopes and more wind-exposed areas will be the most likely place to find a fresh slab, but wind drifted snow may accumulate in some steep features at lower elevations. Look for actively blowing snow and use surface clues such as firm or textured snow to identify where a wind slab may have formed. If you see these signs navigate around features steeper than 35 degrees that are holding wind drifted snow.

    (3/2/2021) Natural wind slabs at 9000 ft in wind-loaded start zones. Shallow wind slabs will reform in similar locations to these avalanches on lee slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche problems continue to be confined to fresh windblown snow on Tuesday. Pictures from a public observation near Timberline on Sunday show the type of avalanches that may be common Tuesday. Mt Hood is experiencing a very spring-like weather pattern that is bringing convective snow showers and occasional sun breaks. This means that snowfall totals may not be uniformly distributed around the mountain. Monday night should bring snow showers that will continue to support wind slab formation. 

Much of the loose wet avalanche activity has already occurred after warm and sunny days midweek and reports from Saturday suggest that sun breaks did more to improve travel conditions than to destabilize the surface. Sun breaks aren't forecast to be widespread Tuesday, but with the spring-like weather, they may be possible at certain times on Tuesday. While there isn't enough snow to create a loose wet avalanche problem in most locations, you may find that some slopes do have enough recent snow to slide above the melt-freeze crust formed last week. This will be most likely on steep and sun-exposed slopes holding several inches or more of recent snow. Use caution near terrain traps such as cliffs and creeks, where even a small wet slide may be able to knock you over.

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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