Mt Hood

Even during Low danger, watch for isolated areas at upper elevations where recently wind-drifted snow may still be reactive. Use caution on sunny slopes and features like rocky chutes, where the surface snow can become wet and heavy and drag you through rough terrain.  If you encounter firm icy slopes, make sure you have the tools to self-arrest a fall.   

After 2 weeks of dry weather, we're exiting a 6-day storm cycle.   Mt Hood was on the southern periphery of the moisture. Unfortunately, this was not the storm cycle we needed to jump-start winter; with generally mild freezing levels, 1.5" of water only translated to ~6" of snow at mid-elevations, with less at lower elevations.   At upper elevations, there were periods of touchy wind slabs, and oscillating snow levels also led to a natural wet-loose cycle.  As we head into another multi-day warm and dry stretch, a few inches of moist to wet snow sits above the 2/1 crust.  You can look to see if older weak snow survives on northerly aspects (mids/uppers), but right now we have no concerns about the upper snowpack.  All that said, there are a few pieces to consider to safely enjoy your day: 

• High clouds may filter the sun at times on Tuesday, but sunny slopes will likely to soften as temperatures and freezing levels rise. Use caution around extreme terrain features, below cliffs that may shed snow, above rocky chutes, and anywhere where triggering a small wet loose avalanche could knock you off your feet and lead to injury or worse. 
• Mild temperatures and periods of drizzle into upper elevations on Monday likely spelled the end to blowing and drifting snow in most areas.  However, without direct observations, some humble pie can always be served to those who assume too much. Drier snow and wind slabs may linger in portions of the upper-elevation band or higher on the mountain.  If you find yourself at elevations with recently drifted snow, consider the consequences of triggering a wind slab avalanche on steep lee slopes.  You may not get the red flag feedback of recent avalanches of shooting cracks.  If you're unsure, you can always back off and choose simpler or more wind-sheltered terrain.   
• Rime ice coated parts of the upper mountain early last weekend, creating firm and slick surfaces.  Since then, we've had 2 rounds of light precipitation, wind, and mild temperatures.  Bring the tools to self-arrest a fall in case you find yourself above steep, icy slopes.  Better to have them and find softer conditions than be forced into a high-consequence slide situation. 
• In areas with low snow cover, be prepared to safely navigate stream crossings, exposed rocks, and other obstacles not typically encountered mid-winter. 

If you head out in the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.