Mt Hood

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. The bigger hazard will be firm, refrozen surfaces during the morning hours and as slopes creep into the shade. Bring the proper mountaineering gear to manage these conditions, and pay close attention to aspect and timing to find softer, more enjoyable riding.

Its been over 9 days since Mt. Hood has seen below-freezing temperatures above 5000 ft. Strong temperature inversions persist, so expect warmer temperatures as you climb into the middle and upper elevations.

 Avalanche activity has tapered off, and the snowpack is generally strong and well settled across the forecast area. While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, it's not impossible in very steep, sun-exposed terrain, particularly close to rocks or cliff bands. Consider moving to less consequential terrain if wet, heavy snow sluffs under your feet or skis. The bigger hazard during this high-pressure period will be long, sliding falls on refrozen surfaces. Unfortunately, these falls cause many accidents every season on the Cascade volcanoes. Be sure to have crampons, an ice axe, and the experience to stop a slip from becoming a long fall. Keep in mind that ski edges don't penetrate ice well either, so carefully time your descent to align with corn o'clock. 

As you’d expect, these warm temperatures and clear nights are beginning to leave their mark on the snowpack around Mt. Hood. Sun-exposed slopes above 6000 ft are in a melt-freeze cycle and have provided good corn riding conditions with careful timing. Wind-sheltered, shaded aspects continue to hold cold, weakening snow surfaces also known as "recycled powder".  Shaded alpine slopes may range from chalky windboard to bulletproof ice, depending on aspect and exposure to wind. These surface conditions can be challenging, variable, and change quickly based on location. 

Warm temperatures continue to melt our lean snowpack. Getting to and from the mountains remains an early-season experience. Open creeks, rocks, and trees continue to plague the terrain and could easily exacerbate the consequences of a small avalanche or long, sliding fall.