Light snowpack covers Mount Hood in Portland, Ore., on Feb. 3, 2026.
Eli Imadali / OPB
An avalanche warning is in effect for areas near Mount Hood as heavy rainfall, increasing snow levels and extreme winds continue to make their way across Oregon.
Officials with the Northwest Avalanche Center say “very large natural avalanches are likely and may run long distances into low-elevation canyon runouts.”
The center is warning people to avoid the area where an avalanche can start, run or stop. That includes winding canyon runs, sparsely forested and steep alpine slopes.
“Very large natural avalanches are expected,” the warning read. “These will more than enough bury, injure, or kill backcountry travelers.”
Skiing and riding operations at Mt. Hood SkiBowl have been suspended due to low snow levels, according to its website. Tubing is also suspended Thursday and Friday due to weather conditions.
Mt. Hood Meadows advised people looking to head out there Friday to check its social media pages for up-to-date information as conditions could impact operations.
The avalanche warning is in effect through Friday at 6:30 p.m.
