2026-03-25

Massive Mt. Hood, OR Avalanche Runs 4,500 Feet



The Pacific Northwest has had an unpredictable winter this year.



Warmer than usual conditions led to below normal snowpacks this sseason. Furthermore, higher temperatures also caused precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow.

This past weekend, Mt. Hood, OR took the brunt of that. The combination of over 11 inches of precipitation in less than a week which first fell as snow, then rain, and a prolonged, high pressure period caused snow to accumulate and then break a weak crust layer. This triggered a massive avalanche that ran for 15 minutes and fell approximately 4,500 feet.

Joe Dellaporta from the Northwest Avalanche Center reported live from the scene on March 22, 2026. All the new snowfall had built up over a widespread crust that became buried on March 8, 2026.



Using seismic data from the U.S. Geological Survey, The Northwest Avalanche Center determined that the slab broke off at around 9,800 feet before falling 4,500 feet and stopping at 5,300 feet. This analysis helps to bring perspective to just how dangerous this avalanche was. While this was one of the bigger events during the heavy storms in March, there were multiple other large avalanches as well throughout the Mt. Hood area.

If you were planning to head out into the backcountry this spring, please pay attention to the latest conditions and always be prepared by having the proper equipment, knowledge, and a buddy. This recent avalanche highlights the increased danger that new snow and warming temperatures often bring as unexpected spring storm cycles will continue to bring unpredictable conditions.

The post Massive Mt. Hood, OR Avalanche Runs 4,500 Feet appeared first on SnowBrains.

Ссылка на источник: https://snowbrains.com/mt-hood-avalanche-march-2026/