Bollettino valanghe

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
3 · Marcato
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In sintesi

Dangerous avalanche conditions linger as yet another round of storms impact Mt Hood. New snow Thursday will gradually build fresh slabs that you can trigger and weaken any remaining instabilities from the last round of heavy snowfall.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    West winds continue to transport surface snow and will easily accumulate Thursday's incoming snow to form fresh wind slabs. Despite multiple widespread avalanche cycles this week, slopes can re-load with wind-drifted snow quickly! Meaning you can still trigger a wind slab even on a slope that has slid in the last few days. Avoid travel on lee slopes over 35 degrees where wind-blown snow is most likely to form slabs. Shooting cracks in the snow and firm or textured snow surfaces are your best clues you could trigger a wind slab--heed these clues by avoiding even small slopes over 35 degrees and giving cornices wide berth.

    (4/10/2019) This very large wind slab avalanche in April 2019 gauged deeply and ran into significantly lower elevation terrain. Note the stunted trees and open terrain in the photo and avoid similar terrain on Monday.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    After a brief respite on Wednesday another storm arrives Thursday and will maintain the possibility that you could trigger a storm slab avalanche. Small natural avalanches, cracking in the snow surface and layers with different densities that you can feel near the top of the snowpack are all signs that you might trigger a storm slab. Steer around convex rolls and steep features. Use extra caution above gullies, creeks, and cliffs where even a small avalanche could have big consequences.

    (2/13/2021) Even a small slab like this one from Saturday at Mt Hood could bury you, especially if you were near a creek or tree well.

Avalanche Discussion

Mt. Hood Meadows has picked up more than 50" of snow since Thursday morning. A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred Saturday. On Sunday, freezing rain created a quarter-inch freezing rain crust on the south side of the mountain and another natural avalanche cycle was observed Monday and Tuesday. Winds in the storm cycle have been strong with very strong to extreme gusts. While some of the upper mountain is stripped of new snow, other slopes have significant wind loading and maintain the potential for very large avalanches above treeline.

A very large natural avalanche was observed in White River during the sunny weather on Wednesday. There is evidence that this avalanche occurred during the daytime on Tuesday. The avalanche crown begins near 7500' and is almost a mile long. This avalanche involves the entire slope directly east of Timberline! Many other small avalanches were observed in sub-drainages in White River on north-facing and east-facing slopes. Photos in the media gallery below.

As the snow keeps piling up, the very real threat of Snow Immersion and Suffocation (SIS) increases. Travel with a partner and maintain visual or audio contact. 

Headed north to recreate?  We have a tricky snowpack with persistent slab problems in all forecast zones across the state line.  Take the time to read about the different snowpacks that have developed further north and adjust your terrain selection accordingly. 

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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.

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