Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist Saturday. 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
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Gusty ridgeline winds will form fresh shallow wind slabs with incoming light snow. Expect wind slabs to be small and isolated to locations like lee slopes near ridge crests. 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

Several natural and human-triggered avalanches and a large explosive-triggered avalanche occurred earlier this week.   Some avalanches have released several feet down to a freezing rain crust that formed Monday 2/22 below 7000'.  These larger old wind slabs should have stabilized with the sunshine and warm temps midweek. Avalanche problems will be isolated and confined to fresh windblown snow on Saturday.

Mt. Hood pivoted rapidly away from a cold, stormy pattern and into spring-like weather this week. Daytime freezing levels exceeded 7000 ft Sunday through Thursday. A cooling trend is in progress Friday, which should solidify cornices and the old surface snow. Much of the loose wet avalanche activity has already occurred. Sun breaks are possible on some parts of Mt Hood Saturday. While there isn't enough snow to create a loose wet avalanche problem, you may experience significant rollerball accumulation if you are on a steep and sun-exposed slope. Use caution near terrain traps such as cliffs and creeks, where these sluffs 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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