Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will remain elevated due to continued snowfall overnight.    Today it was a tough balance to find slopes that were steep enough to be fun in the deep snow, but not so steep that they could avalanche.  Windloaded slopes near treeline and above will continue to be the most dangerous.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Today I observed touchy D1 Wind Slabs that propoagated far.  The winds felt stronger than what was forecast, and even swung a bit to the North West causing some unusal and variable wind loading throughout the day.

    On Monday we may get improved visibility and if folks venture into higher elevations it would be good to remember that snow may have been falling steadily throughout the night, and thus active wind loading may be occurring throughout Monday.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Today at Tam Rim I observed cohesive surface snow overlaying Saturday's very weak snow.  Some test slopes produced shooting cracks (a sign of a possible storm slab problem).  While a Storm Slab avalanche character typically resolves itself within the course of a day or two, I will continue to be wary as long as this storm continues.

    Use simple snowpack tests like hand shears and test slopes to evaluate whether you are dealing with a Storm Slab or/and a Loose Dry avalanche character.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Loose Dry avalanches will stay on our problem list as long as we continue to get substantial new snow with cold temperatures.

    Use simple snowpack tests like hand shears and test slopes to evaluate whether you are dealing with a Storm Slab or/and a Loose Dry avalanche character.

    Terrain management is key when dealing with a Loose Dry avalanche problem.  Avoid skiing above terrain traps or in terrain like gullies where your sluff can really accumulate.

Avalanche Discussion

This storm has really delivered!  We've received well over a meter of storm snow.  Breaking trail today was hard work; on the up, and even sometimes on the down!  All observed avalanche activity has occurred in this storm snow, and we haven't observed any persistent weak layers (facets).  I've been targeting my observations towards the top 60 cm. or less with hand shears, shovel tilt tests, and ski cuts or skin tracks across test slopes.  Cold temperatures and short days should provide great riding conditions into this next week,

Regions covered