Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Traveled up climbers trail to equal elevation with the top of the Palmer lift. Start time 0730. Mostly cloudy slight SSW 5-10MPH winds, peak of Mt Hood visible. Around 0845 wind picked up to SW 20-30MPH with mild precipitation that quickly became socked in at elevation. Snow was melted and firm, mild crust making travel easy. Lower elevation near lodge to mid magic mile lift softer with slightly warmer temps. No avalanche activity was noted or seen even in the illumination crater. Some small cornice formation along the western edge of the gullies that the route follows up.
Snow cover was about 60-70% of ground, lots of exposed boulders and lava fields posing the only real threat of the day. Though these were easily avoidable.