Snow Conditions For Mt. Hood, Oregon: Freezing levels remain unusually high above Mt. Hood through the weekend, with temperatures at 7,000 feet staying above freezing since January 11. While it feels more like spring than mid-winter, the snowpack is adjusting to the warmth. Many sun-exposed slopes have developed thick, firm crusts, and some higher elevation or shaded aspects have formed a thinner melt-freeze layer where dry snow previously existed.
Despite warm temperatures, sunshine, and light winds expected Saturday, widespread softening is unlikely. Any breakdown of the crust should be very isolated, but if it occurs, there is potential for wet avalanches, both natural and human-triggered. If snow becomes unsupportive underfoot, reduce exposure to slopes steeper than 35 degrees.
Snow surfaces were firmer and icier on Friday, with similar conditions expected Saturday. Be aware of long sliding fall hazards, especially early in the day before sun softens slopes. Proper traction and the ability to self-arrest are important when crossing steep, icy terrain.
Before the warm-up, 20–30 inches of snow fell on top of a strong January 3 crust. A few large natural avalanches occurred during the January 6–8 storm cycle, likely running on that layer. Since then, avalanche activity has been mostly limited to wind-affected terrain. Overall, the snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded, though upper elevations remain heavily wind-impacted.