Mt Hood

Excersize typical precautions as we exit atypical warmth and pick up 1-2" of new snow at mid and upper elevations. Increasing WNW winds will gradually form shallow slabs that you can steer around on the lee sides of ridgelines. At lower elevations, be leery of soft, poorly consolidated snow on steep slopes and near rocks.

Preliminary Report: On Friday, February 28, three snowmobilers were riding near Harts Pass in the East North zone when they triggered a large slab avalanche. Two riders were caught and carried. One rider was fully buried and killed. The other was partially buried and injured. NWAC is working with local avalanche professionals to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community. (NE, 6,800ft HS-AM-D2.5-R4-O)

Friday and Saturday were similar, with wet, manky snow at middle and lower elevations. On Saturday, an observer on Pea Gravel Ridge found large cornices and was able to initiate rollerballs in the heavy, wet surface snow. On Friday, NWAC forecasters found excellent riding conditions on sun-drenched slopes at upper elevations with 4-6" ski penetration by mid-day.

Moving forward, we're expecting around 1" fresh snow above the 4500 ft rain/snow line. This snow should bond well to the refreezing crust at lower elevations. However, with increased WNW winds redistributing the new snow, shallow table-top-sized slabs will form in the lee of ridgelines. If more than 2" of snow falls, these slabs would be large enough to take you for a ride. Monitor the amount of new snow and the degree of transport, and steer around steep lee slopes near ridgelines and below actively forming sharp cornices.

At lower elevations, cloud cover might prevent a good overnight refreeze, and the snow could stay heavy and saturated into Sunday. Rain may even further saturate the snow. Wet snow that appears precariously perched may fall downhill, particularly near rocks that retain heat. Don't hang out under steep terrain until the snow surfaces firm up. Also keep an eye on the slopes above for large overhanging cornices and give them a wide berth along ridgelines.

Temperatures have been above freezing up to the top of the Mt Hood Meadows chairlifts since the morning of 2/26. In actuality, freezing levels probably reached the top of Mt Hood proper early Saturday. Observers continue to report widespread firm surfaces above 6000 ft. Lots of scoured ice, wind-sculpted surfaces, and old smooth pockets of drifted snow exist. Come prepared with traction and the ability to self-arrest before climbing into steep, consequential terrain.  

Pockets of old wind slab remain scattered throughout the terrain at upper elevations. We do not believe these slabs will retain reactivity moving forward. In previous days, NWAC forecasters found these slabs to be poorly bonded to the underlying  2/24 crust from our atmosheric river. You can check out that full observation here. 

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