Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Jan 24 – 25, 2019
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The Bottom Line: Large and dangerous wind slabs likely formed above treeline Tuesday night and Wednesday. Give time for conditions to stabilize on the upper mountain by avoiding steep wind loaded terrain and by limiting your exposure to large open avalanche paths that begin higher on the mountain. Near and below treeline, think about the increasing potential for loose wet avalanches if the sun pops out on steep, sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2
    Winds will finally back-off on the upper mountain Thursday, but above the most recent rain-line, firm wind slabs should have built well below ridges. Given the potential for large avalanches to start up high and entrain wet or moist snow at lower elevations, Thursday is not a good day to recreate in big open terrain or to linger where exposed to much higher start zones. Approach steep unsupported slopes with wind-drifted snow cautiously, feeling for firm or hollow sounding snow as a sign that wind slabs may be present. You can stay safe by traveling on ridges, wind-scoured areas and any slope less than 35 degrees.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Warming temperatures and potential afternoon sunshine will increase the odds for loose wet avalanches on Thursday. These avalanches are most likely to release from steep, rocky, sunny slopes as the day progresses. Monitor changes in the upper snowpack, looking for natural pinwheels or small loose wet avalanches as clear signs of increasing danger. Avoid terrain traps like gullies where even a small avalanche can bury you.

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

After an initial bout of snow, a strong frontal system pushed heavy rain up to at least 6500-7000 ft Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in the Mt. Hood area. Strong west winds also rocked the mountain during this period, limiting direct observations from the upper mountain on Wednesday.  As we head into Thursday, we will likely be dealing with two sets of problems; hard wind slabs above the rain-line in the alpine and loose wet avalanche potential near and below treeline.

Regions covered