Avalanche danger remains high on the upper slopes of Mount Hood and remains considerable on the middle and lower elevations through at least Friday evening, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center.
“We’re still in a significant storm cycle, and the potential for very large avalanches remains at upper elevations,” the NWAC backcountry avalanche forecast reads. “You can still safely recreate on slopes less than 35 degrees at lower and middle elevations. Stay off of and out from under wind-loaded slopes and anything connected to upper-elevation start zones.”
A map shows the risk of avalanches in the Pacific Northwest as of Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. Avalanche.org is a partnership between the American Avalanche Association (A3) and the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC).
avalanche.org
Mt. Hood Meadows is open Friday and the resort reported an additional 10 inches of snow overnight.
“The active storm cycle will likely keep the upper mountain chairs closed today,” the morning resort forecast read. “We’ve now received around 3 feet of fresh snow in the past couple of days. This demands respect and extra caution while riding, as deep snow immersion and tree wells are a real danger out there.”
Check the latest resort conditions for Mt Hood Meadows
Timberline is also open Friday, but Magic Mile and the Palmer chairlift are closed. And winter driving conditions exist on the way to the resort.
“Chains or traction tires are required to get to Timberline,” the resort’s conditions page warns. “We also recommend bringing a shovel for the end of the day; it’s deep out there!”
Check the latest resort conditions for Timberline
A winter weather advisory is still in place for the northern and central Oregon Cascade passes through 7 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be difficult at times. Travelers should be prepared for snow-covered roads and slick surfaces. Snow levels will likely rise above the passes by Friday night.
But precipitation will continue into the weekend, according to the NWS forecast.
A hydrologic outlook is in place for heavy rain and potential flooding along the Cascades foothills in the central Willamette Valley, as well as along the Oregon Coast and the Coast Range.
Check the latest river forecasts here
