1 | P a g e

Forest Service

Mt Hood National Forest - East Zone -

Current Snow Conditions Report

Updated: 12/05/2020

Observed By: Tre Trofi

General Overview and Work Report: Page #2

Little John Sno - Park: Page #3

Pocket Creek Sno - Park: Page #4

Bennett Pass Sno - Park: Page #5

White River Sno - Park (East/West): Page #6

Barlow Pass Sno - Park: Page #7

Frog Lake Sno - Park: Page #8

Skyline Sno - Park: Page #9

Billy Bob Sno - Park: Page #10

Tilly Jane Sno - Park: Page #11

Click for Conditions at: Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt Hood Skibowl, and for the Mt Hood

Avalanche Report.

2 | P a g e

Forest Service

General Overview and Work Report

The past week started with mixed precipitation falling at lower elevations, higher sites saw up to 5" of

fresh snow. As the week continued clear and sunny conditions were found across the East Zone. Recreation sites

saw steady use throughout the week and into the weekend. Much of the fresh snow has hardened after multiple

days of freeze/thaw cycles. In areas more covered from the sunlight softer snow conditions persist. Hard

packed, often icy conditions exist along many of the forest trails, but trail coverage remains adequate at most

sites. Lower elevation sites are still seeing variable snow depths and exposed ground, limbs, and rocks as early

season conditions remain. Warm conditions will continue until Tuesday as freezing levels drop back down and

snow is predicted to return. Expect busy lots and crowded trails as recreators rush to enjoy the fresh snow.

The main roads and Sno-Park lots are clear at this time, with icy conditions often developing overnight

and persisting through the morning. ODOT has been working to keep the roads clear of snow but during and

after storm cycles poor road conditions will exist. Be aware of winter driving conditions as more precipitation

falls throughout the week/weekend. Please be aware of recent seasonal road closures in effect as of December

1st. These corridors are now closed to all road vehicles. The 44 corridor should not be attempted by any

recreator without adequate clearance and snow tires, many vehicles have been getting stuck. The best route

through is the 44/17/1720 connection. Use caution as the tire ruts allow for one-way traffic; moving to the side

can be tricky and easily lead to getting stuck in deeper unpacked snow. Those recreating at higher elevations or

in steep terrain should be mindful of the unpredictability of early season snowpack. Windblown/weak bonded

layers have been observed forming during periods of snow-wind-sun; some avalanche conditions will exist with

heavy snow forecasted at higher elevations this weekend. Always check conditions and always come prepared.

44 Road

3 | P a g e

Forest Service

Little John Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: Variable low snow coverage.

General Park Conditions:

Little John has seen much mixed precipitation and warmer temperatures, leading to low coverage. The

"easiest" rated sled run has the most coverage, but all have been seeing use. The sledding hill has

recently been cleared out and the shelter has a wood burning stove for public use. Continue to check

weather reports, when snow level drops Little John is a great option for family fun.

Current Hazards:

The low snow coverage at Little John leads to many hazards. Please do not build jumps on the sled hill.

Coverage is still spotty and minimal at times, only directly after a storm is the area covered and safely

usable. Rocks, stumps, and bare ground will be exposed otherwise. The warming shelter is open for

use, yet please be mindful of the current State and Federal COVID-19 guidelines as well as practicing

CDC social distancing practices as posted on site. Little John is a popular area for Christmas Tree

harvesting, please be mindful of forest rules and regulations while choosing your tree.

4 | P a g e

Forest Service

Pocket Creek Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 25" base.

General Park Conditions:

Pocket Creek has enjoyed a nice early season snowpack. The ski trail is filled in fully and there is a

well-established skin and snowshoe track. Please see trailhead signage for proper ski and snowshoe

trail etiquette. Much of the lower snow has undergone freeze/thaw cycles through the week and

consolidated into a harder pack. Expect some ground hazards to still persist until more snow coverage

exists. Snowmobile users are reminded that only the Pocket Creek Trail to Bennett Pass are multi-use.

More clear signs have been posted. The Pocket Creek road is now closed to all road vehicles, please do

not attempt to drive the corridor.

Current Hazards:

Hazards such as exposed rocks, trees, and limbs are still probable anywhere off piste on Pocket Creek

till more snow coverage is present. The parking lot was observed almost at capacity, please be mindful

to park as consolidated as possible. The lot has been cleared, but icy conditions persist. Use caution

while parking and pulling out. Vehicles were observed past the road closure on the trail over the

weekend, be aware of current seasonal road closures and please adhere to forest rules and regulations.

5 | P a g e

Forest Service

Bennett Pass Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 43" base, windblown.

On Pocket Creek Tie: 42" base, 4-5" of fresh soft snow.

General Park Conditions:

Snow coverage continues to be decent at Bennett Pass, all the brush and rocks are covered; some fallen

trees can still be found exposed. Heavy use has been observed all week and weekend. Watch for icy

and slick conditions along many of the trail corridors, this will improve with the forecasted snowfall.

The lot was observed near capacity, please be mindful when parking and leave space for others to

navigate. Do not park overflow on to the overpass/exit way when the lot is full. Snowmobile users are

reminded that only Bennett Pass to Pocket Creek are multi-use, please refrain from using the ski trails.

Current Hazards:

The Bennet Pass Trail is a shared use area, be mindful of others recreating. This trailhead gives access

to steep terrain known for avalanche conditions, use caution and always come prepared and informed.

This weekend will see heavy snow fall, expect avalanche conditions to exist. The on and exit ramps

leading to Bennet Pass Sno-Park are icy, use cation. The lot is also icy/slick and parking has been filling

up throughout the day. If the Meadows lot is full parking attendants will often close the road, access to

Bennet Pass is required, just ask.

6 | P a g e

Forest Service

White River Sno - Park (East/West)

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 32-36" base, 4.5"

48" observed at 5200' (11/24)

General Park Conditions:

Snow coverage at White River remains excellent, though recent warming and mixed precipitation

leave the area very wet and parts of the river exposed. The West lot was filled beyond capacity on

Saturday, this cut off access for first responders attempting to respond to an incident. Do not park in

the Sno - Park entryway and please leave ample space for emergency vehicles to navigate through.

please be mindful of the current State and Federal COVID-19 guidelines as well as practicing CDC social

distancing practices if utilizing such a crowded site. The snow conditions above White River West are

excellent, with many families using the area for sledding. Please do not dispose of broken sleds in

forest facilities; pack in, pack out. The skin track is well established and heavy use is evident. Areas

accessed by the West Sno-Park lead into a recent slide and current avalanche zone. Look up conditions

and be prepared before recreating. The 48 corridor is now closed to all road vehicles, do not attempt to

drive the 48 road. Hazards exist in areas of low snow coverage where early season conditions persist.

Current Hazards:

Use caution sledding, skiing, or recreating over the riverbed while low coverage and water is flowing

during warming cycles. Exposed rock, brush, and trees are still found in lower areas. The 48 road

corridor is now seasonally closed to road traffic as of December 1st. Please be aware of current road

closures and adhere to forest rules and regulations. Reminder that the White River Fire area closure is

still in effect; check the closure map for more information.

7 | P a g e

Forest Service

Barlow Pass Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 26" base

General Park Conditions:

Snow coverage is decent as snowpack has grown and consolidated. Warm, melting conditions were

observed so expect some hazards to be re-exposed after the sunny conditions found this past week.

There is still evidence of road vehicles utilizing the Barlow Rd (3530). Use cation if recreating in this

corridor and be mindful of the White River Fire Closure. The PCT is close in the Olallie Lake region due

to fire. There was a main multi-use track established as well as dedicated ski tracks, please practice

proper winter trail etiquette and stay off skin tracks if snowshoeing. Steps have been cut in the snow

to assist users reaching the trailhead from the lot.

Current Hazards:

The access road to the Barlow Pass Sno-Park is narrow and typically only allows for one-way traffic,

use caution. this road is often icy and slick, especially in the morning. Early season conditions still exist

leaving many ground hazards still exposed. Always use caution while traveling off trail and on steeper

terrain.

8 | P a g e

Forest Service

Frog Lake Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 28" base

Frog Lake Butte: 32" base

General Park Conditions:

This weekend saw heavy use at Frog Lake. Please be mindful of the current State and Federal COVID-

19 guidelines as well as practicing CDC social distancing practices while at the Sno-Park and on trail.

The road to Frog Lake Campground is now closed seasonally as of December 1st, please do not attempt

to drive this corridor. The snowmobile club has begun its trail grooming operation for the season.

Please practice proper trail etiquette while using this popular multi use area.

Current Hazards:

The access road to the Frog Lake day use area and campground still have evidence of vehicle use. This

road is now closed to all road vehicles, do not drive onto the corridor. The entrance to Frog Lake is

often utilized as a chain up station for semi-truckers; this has been observed multiple times to be

blocking clear access to the lot, use caution and slow speed when approaching the turn off. Low and

variable snow conditions have been observed as early season conditions continue. Look for better

conditions after more snow over the weekend. Be mindful of wilderness boundary if and when

operating machinery, it is not well marked.

9 | P a g e

Forest Service

Skyline Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Variable coverage: 12" base measured on road corridor.

1-3" observed under canopy with some bare ground exposed.

General Park Conditions:

Snow coverage has seen warm/sunny conditions leading to exposed ground off trail and under canopy

cover. The road corridors seem to be holding snow, but variable conditions do exist. The warming

shelter has evidence of heavy use, please refrain from driving road vehicles to shelter as to preserve

the natural grasses and landscape. The roads to Little Crater Lake and Timothy Lake areas have been

used by road vehicles. Use caution if recreating along these corridors.

Current Hazards:

The snowmobile trails are still being utilized by some vehicles as a road, be aware of seasonal road

closures in the area. The roads past Skyline Sno-Park are popular Christmas Tree harvesting areas;

please be mindful of forest rules and regulations while choosing your tree. The warming shelter is

open for use, yet please be mindful of the current state and federal COVID-19 guidelines as well as

practicing CDC social distancing practices as posted on site.

10 | P a g e

Forest Service

Billy Bob Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

4-6" of snow observed at lot.

General Park Conditions:

Billy Bob has finally received more snow and has better coverage. There are still many exposed ground

hazards at lower elevations and snow coverage can change drastically in the area. But the 44 road

West of the Sno-Park is filled in and has an established track. The 17 road system connecting to the 44

also has an established snowmobile track. Some vehicles are still utilizing this corridor. Less road

vehicles have been using the 44 corridor as snowpack has grown. The warming shelter and lot have

had an increase of use, please be mindful of the current state and federal COVID-19 guidelines as well

as practicing CDC social distancing practices as posted on site. Use caution if using the road system as

vehicles will be on the roads until the seasonal closure goes into effect on December 15th.

Current Hazards:

The most passable route from the 35 corridor is to go the 44 - 17 - 1720. This route is an established

single track with recreation lanes on either side. Multiple vehicles have been getting stuck trying to

access the 44 from the West. This is not recommended for any low clearance vehicles or those without

4WD, high clearance, and traction tires. Two-way traffic is likely to be encountered on weekends;

pulling to the side to allow for passing will likely lead to getting stuck in deeper unpacked snow. Low

speed travel and caution is suggested while driving downhill as roads are slick and traction limited. Be

cautious and mindful of recent accessible turn offs in case you come upon incoming traffic. Use caution

if recreating as vehicles have still been using the corridor, creating a deep track, and presenting a

possible moving hazard. At lower elevations, snow coverage is still variable, and many ground level

hazards exist. Come prepared and always check conditions before recreating. This area is a popular

area for Christmas Tree harvesting, please be mindful of forest rules and regulations while choosing

your tree.

11 | P a g e

Forest Service

Tilly Jane Sno - Park

Amount of Snow:

Trailhead: 17" base

At Tilly Jane A-Frame: 46" base, consolidated with great coverage (11/24).

*see photo for coverage above Cooper Spur shelter. *

General Park Conditions:

Lower elevations remain filled in on Tilly Jane, the only exception being a warm band of melting that

occurred just below the bottom edge of the burn scar in late November. Here ground is exposed with

rocks poking through. Expect this area to fill in again with the coming snow. The low laying wet area is

likely more exposed after the warm weather this past week. The track has been combined into a very

wide, hardpack corridor. Icy and slick conditions exist till the A-frame. The areas above the shelter and

below tree line have been well filled with windblown snow for the past month. Above the shelter the

gullies and eastern facing slopes have filled nicley. Upper elevation trail snow conditions may vary as

wind loaded faces and weak bonded layers exist. Exposed icy hardpack has also been observed. Be

sure to check the weather and avalanche conditions if travelling above the A-frame. Always be

prepared for fast changing conditions at higher elevations. The lot was observed filled to maximum

capacity with cars parking in multiple directions. This made access and a turnaround challenging. Use

caution and be prepared to back out if necessary. Please be mindful of others when parking your

vehicle and leave ample room for emergency vehicles and other recreators.

Current Hazards:

The road to the trailhead is plowed but stays icy, in the morning especially. Traction tires or chains are

recommended. The low snow coverage down low will expose rock, trees, and limbs. Descend with

caution as the corridor is busy and uphill traffic will be present. The Tilly Jane A-Frame is currently

closed to the public to adhere to State and Federal COVID-19