Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The winds cranked on Wednesday, and very strong winds will continue to redistribute new snow into dense slab through Thursday. These slabs could pack a punch above 6000 ft. You can reduce your exposure by sticking to ridges and wind-sheltered slopes under 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Hard slabs of wind-drifted snow have likely formed across exposed terrain on Mt. Hood. Expect these slabs to be the thickest on leeward, NE-SE aspects, but don't let your guard down on other slopes where terrain-driven winds can often create tricky loading patterns. Most of these slabs are expected to be in the form of hard slabs due to strong west wind speeds, so these won’t be easy to assess or manage in the field.  

    The best way to manage your exposure to these hard slabs is to identify and simply avoid areas where they exist. Look for blowing snow, sharp drifts, and smooth pillow-like slabs as obvious clues that fresh slabs exist in nearby terrain. Keep in mind that strong winds can often create irregular loading, so these could exist further down slope than usual. 

    Triggering smaller, soft slabs may be possible on steep, convex rolls at middle and lower elevations. Test for storm snow instabilities before committing to this type of terrain. 

    (2/1/2025)

    Sharp drifts like this are obvious signs that a wind slab may exist on the slope beneath. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Precipitation rates are forecast to decrease on Thursday, but winds will stay at transport speeds. This west flow pattern has created a noticeable rainshadow on the east side of the mountain, which could allow for some sun-breaks and opportunities for small wet loose activity on steep, sun-exposed aspects during extended stretches of clearing. Stay tuned to the snow surfaces around you and consider moving off slopes of consequence if rollerballs start shedding during sunny periods.  

As of Wednesday evening, Mt Hood picked up approximately 5-7 inches of dense new snow and very strong west winds, averaging 40-50 mph at Mt. Hood Meadows. This made for a stormy Wednesday to be on the mountain. Observers reported fresh wind slab formation and reactive pockets along leeward terrain around Timberline. These same observers reported a couple mid-storm interfaces, but generally found a good bond to the old wet snow surface that we’ll now refer to as the March 4th crust moving forward. 

We have limited information on persistent weak layers on the north and east sides of the zone. Earlier last week, I observed weak structure above Tilly Jane, though later reports show it gaining strength. A very large avalanche on the Sunshine Route on the North side likely broke during the natural cycle on the 24th, though its failure layer is unknown. These observations suggest caution—dig and assess before you enter steep terrain farther east or north around Mt. Hood. These weak layers have led to numerous large avalanches just to our north and are listed as a persistent slab avalanche problem.

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