Mt Hood

Problèmes avalancheux

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Possible

  Taille

  1.5–2.5

  1-2' of snow accumulated through Tuesday morning along with strong to extreme west winds.  Although winds and snowfall tapered off during the day Tuesday you'll want to use caution on wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees and generally avoid large avalanche paths that show obvious signs of recent wind loading.  You may not see red flags like shooting cracks or new avalanches, but if you do trigger an avalanche it could be large and powerful.  Where you encounter hollow or wind-stiffened snow, choose lower angle terrain, windward slopes, and always be aware of the overhead hazard that can include overhanging cornices or other parties above you.  

  Aspects that were wind-loaded on Tuesday may look slightly different on Wednesday.  NW winds may redistribute recent snow,  so pay attention to blowing snow and any slopes that may become cross-loaded Tuesday night or Wednesday.   

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Possible

  Taille

  1–1.5

  In areas that have softer and less wind-affected snow, the potential for wet loose avalanches will increase as the sun comes out and temperatures rise.  As soon as you see one or more of the tell-tail signs of increasing wet loose avalanche hazard; rollerballs, tree bombs or sinking into the surface snow more than a few inches,  start to think about changing aspects and/or moving to lower angled terrain. 

  While most wet loose avalanches will be small, you'll want to avoid them near terrain traps, like gullies, cliffs and anywhere else a small avalanche could cause problems.