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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 31st, 2015–Jan 1st, 2016

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Mt Hood.

Heightened avalanche danger should be specific to wind-loaded slopes at all elevation bands where recent east winds continue to build new wind slab.

Detailed Forecast

Ring in the New Year with sunshine tempered by a cold east wind in your face!  Mostly clear skies along with moderate to strong east winds will continue on Mt. Hood Friday. 

New wind slab will be the primary avalanche problem as easterly winds continue to build new wind slab, including but not limited to westerly aspects. Look for recently transported snow onto lee slopes further downslope from ridgelines than you might expect, including the below treeline elevation band due to the persistence of the easterlies.    

Snowpack Discussion

A cool and very snowy storm cycle brought 6-7 feet of snowfall to Mt Hood the week ending December 24th. Moderate additional accumulations in the past week have allowed the snowpack to slowly settle along with providing good skiing and riding conditions.

The Mt Hood Meadow pro patrol reported an overall right side up upper snow pack, good stability, limited wind effects below 7500 feet and good skiing on Tuesday. However, by Thursday moderate to strong east-northeast winds had begun significant new snow transport onto lee westerly aspects at all elevation bands. Cold temperatures prevented widespread loose avalanches from activating on solar slopes despite the sunshine.  

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.