ZONE AVALANCHE FORECASTS
January 15, 2006

MT HOOD AREA-
Considerable avalanche danger above 6000 feet and moderate below 
early Sunday. Decreasing danger becoming moderate below 7000 feet 
Sunday afternoon through Sunday night. Significantly increasing 
danger Monday becoming considerable below 7000 feet. Further 
increasing danger Monday afternoon and night becoming high below 
7000 feet. 

SNOWPACK ANALYSIS-

Generally light amounts of 2 to 6 inches of new snow fell at 
cooling temperatures in showers over the past 24 hours. Similar 
amounts were received Friday. In general the significant amounts 
of snow that have accumulated over the past week, 5 to 9 feet or 
more along the west slopes, continues to gradually consolidate 
and settle. The most recent snow over the past two days has been 
accompanied by light to moderate west to northwest crest level 
winds building some soft slab layers near ridges, especially on 
Mt Hood where winds have been strongest. Backcountry travelers 
should continue to use caution in steep terrain and avoid slopes 
showing signs of recent wind transport. In wind protected areas, 
the upper snowpack is generally stable low density snow and 
providing some nice backcountry conditions at present. 

SUNDAY-
Occasional light snow showers ending later Sunday with partial 
clearing. Continued cool with light winds. This should cause a 
further gradual decrease in danger as recent unstable layers 
settle. Near ridges at higher elevations isolated shallow soft 
slabs should cause concern on steeper lee slopes, mainly 
northeast through southeast facing.

&&