Government Camp, Ore. – A dangerous avalanche cycle is underway in the Mount Hood backcountry, where heavy precipitation, powerful winds, and rising snow levels are creating conditions capable of producing large natural avalanches through Friday evening.
According to the Northwest Avalanche Center in Seattle, an Avalanche Warning remains in effect until 6:30 p.m. Friday for areas near Mount Hood in northern Oregon. Forecasters warn that very large natural avalanches are likely, and some may travel far enough to reach lower elevation canyon runouts.
The warning comes as a powerful storm brings heavy precipitation, strong winds, and rapidly changing snow levels across the Cascades. These conditions can overload unstable snowpack layers, triggering large avalanches without human activity.
Backcountry zones surrounding Mount Hood, including steep alpine terrain and forested slopes near popular recreation routes, face the greatest risk. Avalanche experts warn slides during this cycle could bury, injure, or kill backcountry travelers.
Officials urge hikers, snowmobilers, and skiers to avoid all avalanche terrain, including steep slopes and narrow canyon runouts where debris may travel long distances.
Recreationists should check the latest avalanche conditions at nwac.us before heading into the mountains. The warning remains active through Friday evening, and additional alerts could follow if the dangerous snowpack persists across the Mount Hood region.
