Lawinenlagebericht

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Avalanches will remain possible at all elevations on Tuesday. Look for active wind transport of snow and bear in mind that lingering pockets of old wind loaded snow could remain reactive to human triggering at upper elevations. The risk of triggering a large slab avalanche that releases in deeper layers becomes lower each day, but shaded slopes near treeline and below treeline still have a weak snowpack structure that demands caution. If there is any uncertainty of the snowpack stability, stick to lower angle slopes that are less than 30 degrees.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–2.5

    Recent observations show that our PWL (Jan 31 buried facet layer) appears to be gaining strength, or 'rounding'. Stability tests on this layer show promising results for this trend, but the weak layer (and therefore weak snowpack structure) is still present in specific locations, even though it is becoming more stubborn to trigger an avalanche. Bear in mind that Persistent slab problems are notorious for having wide spacial variability, and certain terrain features (e.g. convex slopes and shallow rocky areas) could see a greater likelihood for triggering an avalanche on this PWL. With this stabilizing trend we will be less likely to get our typical red flags like collapses and whumphs, even when a reactive slab is present. Patience and continued caution remains necessary. If a Persistant slab avalanche were to trigger, it could result in a large, potentially fatal slide.

  • Loose Dry

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1

    Sustained cold temperatures have resulted in no shortage of loose unconsolidated snow near treeline and below treeline where slopes are more sheltered. If you do push onto steep slopes expect to get some snow moving down the hill with you. The biggest risk here will likely be in areas where certain terrain traps are present and getting knocked off your feet by a small slide could have higher consequence (i.e. above cliffs and/or trees). 

    On Monday 2/9 at Tam Macarthur, there were numerous skier triggered small Dry Loose avalanches on steep slopes from unconsolidated surface snow.

    Photo: Ryan Marvin

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Wind slab avalanches that are large enough to bury, injure or kill a rider are still possible at upper elevations. With cold temperatures preserving recent snow in the alpine, there is ample snow available for transport. The light winds we have been having since Sunday can still be enought to move this low density snow, especially at higher elevations. The winds have been shifting around, so if you're in the alpine on Tuesday be aware that wind slabs may be present on all aspects. Look for rippled snow texture or smooth pillowed snow surfaces to understand where wind slabs may be present. Use small, low consequence indicator slopes to check for wind slab reactivity before committing to leeward terrain. If cracking in the slab or recent avalanches are observed, this is a good sign to step back and seek lower angle terrain.

    (2/9/2025)

    D1.5 Wind slab avalanche triggered by Mt Bachelor ski patrol on 2/9 using explosives. SE slope @ ~ 8400 ft.

    Photo: Leslie Norberg

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