Mt Hood

Strong winds will continue to rake the snow surface at mid and upper elevations.  While it will be easy to find wind-affected snow,  it's unlikely you'll trigger a wind slab avalanche.  At lower elevations,  avoid extreme terrain features receiving direct sun where you are most likely find wet and weak snow which could trigger a loose wet avalanche.

Strong E-NE ridgeline winds continue at Mt Hood scouring snow surfaces and limiting the warming from the sun.  For terrain exposed to the wind,  it will feel cooler than the freezing level and full sun in mid-April would otherwise indicate.  Lower elevations and terrain sheltered from the wind will continue to experience increasing temperatures this week.

It was sunny but extremely windy on Tuesday and again Wednesday with east to north winds gusting into the 50 to 80 mph range depending on the weather station.  Before the E-NE wind event this week, extreme westerly winds on Saturday did a number on snow surfaces with sastrugi, exposed rocky ridgelines and dusty snow peppered throughout the landscape.  The 1-2" of snow that fell early over the weekend did not cause much in the way of avalanche concerns.  Wind-affected snow is everywhere near and above treeline but wind slabs are unreactive.  If climbing into the uppermost slopes of Mt Hood, keep in mind that you are traveling above NWAC's forecast rating, so take the time to evaluate the snowpack yourself. 

While most cornices are not particularly large given what they can be for this time of year,  where you do find large overhanging cornices, give them space along ridgelines and on slopes below.   On aspects at upper elevations that are firm and icy, make sure you have to tools to self-arrest a fall before committing to the slope.  

At lower elevations, use caution on very steep terrain features where you find wet snow and may trigger a wet loose avalanche.  Take care navigating snow bridges over streams as they start to melt and weaken throughout the spring. 

Keep in mind that temperatures are rising significantly. Freezing levels will reach over 10,000 ft through the weekend. The snowpack has not had a significant warm-up like this yet. Travel in avalanche terrain with caution. The transition from a winter to a spring snowpack does not offer the same clues that weak winter snow does. Wet loose avalanches and failing cornices are possible, but so are deeper wet slab avalanches which do not show signs of weakness until failure.

If you're out,  share what you see and submit an observation. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

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.