Mt Hood

Triggering avalanches within the new snow and wind-drifted snow will be a real concern after a night of heavy precipitation and continued loading through Wednesday. Slabs will be the largest and most sensitive in wind-loaded terrain; however, any steep open slope could harbor unstable slabs with the amount of snowfall in the forecast. Shooting cracks and recent avalanche activity are clear red flags to keep slope angles in check. A cooling trend should support new snow forming over a more favorable structure, though increasing chances of sun breaks later in the day could begin to stiffen or 'slab' up the surface snow. 

Start your day with a simple plan and stick with lower-angle, wind-sheltered terrain. While you’re out, look for signs of instability by tweaking small test slopes and by digging pits to see how the new load is bonding to the old snow surfaces. Don’t ignore the obvious, like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or active wind loading.

As the storm starts to loosen its grip by late morning, there will be increasing chances of sun breaks that could promote wet snow instabilities on sun-exposed slopes. It won’t take much sun or warming at the snow surface for the new snow to react. Pay close attention to rollerballs, pinwheels, or sticky snow surfaces as these are precursors to larger, wet loose avalanches. Head for a shadier slope if you notice these signs.