Mt Hood

A few inches of recent snow should not create a significant avalanche hazard at  Mt Hood on Friday. You may find that you can push very small loose avalanches on steep slopes, but these tiny slides should not pose a risk to you as a traveler. Instead, prepare for challenging and often icy travel conditions that require more time and skill to safely navigate. 

Mt Hood received 1-3” of snow on Thursday and could pick-up another inch overnight. This recent snow fell with cooling temperatures and very light winds. It caps a very strong snowpack that continues to create generally safe avalanche conditions. Because of the right-side-up nature of the new storm snow, you may trigger very small loose avalanches on steep slopes. However, the size of the slides should be limited by the modest amount of new snow and not pose a significant risk to backcountry travelers. If you plan to travel in rocky or extreme terrain, don’t let these relatively harmless avalanches knock you off your feet or push you over a cliff.

Mostly cloudy skies Friday should limit the sun’s effect on the new snow. However, if skies clear in the afternoon, you may see piles of new rollerballs or small tear-dropped shapes slides on steep sunny slopes. Any avalanche activity should remain in the few inches of snow from Thursday. 

Icy conditions reported over the last few days continue to remain a concern, however recent weather allowed the surface curst to decompose on some slopes. Hiding under a soft exterior you may find variable conditions including punch snow, breakable crusts, and firm icy surfaces. If you cross steep firm slopes make sure you have the skills and tools you need to prevent a small slip from turning into a long and potentially dangerous slide. Similar icy conditions on Mt Hood last season resulted in several injuries and fatalities from long uncontrolled falls. 

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.