Mt Hood
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Joe Dellaporta
Issued: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineExpect an uptick in avalanche danger throughout the day, particularly in wind-loaded terrain as a spring storm approaches Mt. Hood. Pay attention to blowing snow and wind-stiffened surfaces as direct clues to help you identify where unstable slabs may be building. Default to more wind-sheltered terrain as snowfall and wind ramp up.
Avalanche Danger
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
8500-6500ft2 - Moderate
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-3500ft1 - Low
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
8500-6500ft3 - Considerable
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-3500ft1 - Low
Avalanche Danger ScaleLearn moreGeneral InfoGeneral Information1 - LowLow2 - ModModerate3 - ConsConsiderable4 - HighHigh5 - ExtrExtreme
1 - Low | 2 - Moderate | 3 - Considerable |  4 - High |  5 - Extreme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Advice | Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. | Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. | Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. | Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain. |
| Likelihood of Avalanches | Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely. | Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible. | Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely. | Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. | Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain. |
| Avalanche Size and Distribution | Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain. | Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas. | Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. | Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas. | Very large avalanches in many areas. |
Avalanche Problems (1)
Problem #1: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/16/2026)
Slabs won’t be that big yet, so using small inconsequential test slopes could be a good way for you to gauge slab reactivity.
Photo: Joe Dellaporta
Increasing snowfall and strong SW winds will build sensitive wind slabs through the day. Most slabs will stay on the smaller side, but they could trigger easily off windy ridgelines when they’re freshly formed. Look for blowing snow, wind-textured pillows, and sharp cornices and drifts to help you identify slopes of concern. Pay attention to snow depth and stiffness as you move from slope to slope. Rapid increases in snow depths or stiffness are good indicators that you have found a wind slab.
Tuesday will be a good day to closely track new snow accumulations and the extent of wind loading as you move into the wind zone. Choose simpler terrain if you notice active heavy drifting or shooting cracks under your skis for feet.
Forecast Discussion
Tuesday will be all about rising avalanche hazard as a strong frontal system approaches the Cascades. The start of the day may feel more like low danger, but expect a rise in hazard as snowfall rates and winds increase. If the storm is delayed or arrives earlier than expected, it could directly affect avalanche danger. So, pay close attention to the new snow accumulations and be mindful of wind loading as you change aspect. While snow levels are low for this storm (2500-3500 ft), temperatures are not. Wet avalanches won’t be large or widespread enough to include them in the problem set, but it's possible you could see some rollerballs or trigger small, isolated wet loose near the snow line. Lastly, days are long now. If you head out for an evening tour, conditions may be more dangerous as the storm starts to intensify.
The past few days have been cloudy, wet, and unsettled around the Mt. Hood area. The snowpack has largely transitioned into a wet, isothermal-like snowpack below 7000 ft. New snow will mainly fall on wet snow surfaces or crusts in higher terrain.
Just as a reminder, please treat closed ski areas as backcountry terrain. Ski patrols are no longer conducting avalanche mitigation work, and hazards will be unmarked.
Are you heading out into the mountains? Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.
This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions.
It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.