Mt Hood

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist around Mt. Hood. Firm, slide-for-life conditions will be your greatest hazard as strong northeast winds and cold temperatures keep surfaces locked up. Bring the crampons, ice axe, and continue to use best-practice backcountry travel techniques. 

We're heading into our 10th day of LOW avalanche danger. The only difference this weekend will be the cold temperatures and strong northeast winds around Mt Hood. This combination will undoubtedly keep surfaces firm through the weekend. 

The long, sliding fall hazard will continue to be your most concerning hazard during this period. Observations continue to trickle in reporting sliding falls in steep upper mountain terrain. It won’t be the weekend to save some weight; bring the crampons, ice axe,  helmet, and the ability to use this gear properly before climbing or skiing in steep, consequential terrain. Keep in mind that ski edges don’t penetrate ice well either, so know your ability and the current surface conditions before dropping into steeper lines. 

Triggering a lingering wind slab has become unlikely, but not impossible. Observations earlier this week reported blowing snow at upper elevations on N/NE aspects near the Cooper Spur.  If you travel in shaded, alpine terrain keep an eye out for stiffer, wind-textured slabs. In most areas, these have trended unreactive, but that may not be the case in all-terrain features. Look for blowing snow and pay attention to features that promote drifting, like the top of chutes, couloirs, and gully depressions. 

Even during long periods of high pressure, observations are key in producing a more accurate avalanche forecast. Let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.