Mt Hood

A mix of storm and loose wet avalanche problems are possible Sunday above treeline. 

The latest installment of warm and dry weather occurred from early March through midweek leading to more snowpack consolidation and a scarcity of avalanche activity. Reports indicated thickening surface crusts on most slopes and some corn snow development on solar slopes. An inch of new snow accumulated above treeline Thursday with rain below. 

On Saturday, the most significant weather system this month brought plenty of precipitation...but mostly in the form of rain with the snow level above 7000 feet. 24 hr rain accumulations at NWAC Mt. Hood stations were near 1.5 inches ending 4 pm Saturday. Significant new snowfall likely accumulated on the upper volcano Saturday above NWAC's forecast area. 

Sunday should be another stormy day as a low pressure system lifts precipitation north across the Cascades. Unfortunately for Mt. Hood, the snow levels look to start much warmer than the Cascades further north. 

There may be some loose wet or shallow storm slab concerns above treeline on Sunday, mainly on lee N through SE aspects. Rainfall near and below treeline rain is not expected to have much effect since the snowpack in these elevation bands are limited, consolidated, and draining well.  

Due to the low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation. Many areas below treeline do not have enough snow to cause an avalanche danger.