Mt. Hood: South Side

Wet snow instabilities are trending downwards as freezing levels drop. While I was up there, there was very little softening that occurred above 7500 ft before noon. This is a big change from our previous days that offered warmer temperatures and good corn by lunchtime most days. Ski conditions were scratchy and less-than-ideal until I reached the groomer on Palmer. Wet avalanche concerns are gradually being replaced with long, sliding fall concerns above 7000 ft on the south side as the upper snowpack refreezes and stays frozen through much of the day. The long stretch of high pressure has melted many sun-exposed moraines and previously scoured areas down to bareground. The snowpack looks quite thin for late January.