Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slabs that formed as recently as Thursday morning may be sitting on weak/low density snow on northerly aspects. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully if you encounter signs of wind loading.

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Southerly winds over the last few days have been moving snow to northerly aspects. Be cautious if you see signs of wind transported snow on lee slopes. Existing wind slabs will be trending toward more difficult to trigger, but will still be possible to trigger on Friday in the right terrain.

    Look for visual signs such as pillows of wind difted snow, and a wavy or uneven surface texture to indicate a surface may be wind loaded. Recently formed cornices can also be clues that wind slabs are present. If you see cracking in the surface snow or experience hollow sounds on the surface, these are signs to move to lower anger terrain and/or avoid loaded slopes

Avalanche Discussion

The region has received about a foot of snow in the last 3 days although that new snow has undergone a fair amount settlement. The last rain crust now sits about 8 to 12" below the surface. The older storm snow from last week is trending to being bonded to that rain crust. As the recent snow trickled in, the snowpack has had time to respond and adjust. Wind loaded slopes, may be the exception and still require caution.

Weak snow has been found below the most recent rain crust on north and east facing terrain. Although avalanches are not expected to initiate on this layer, it is something to monitor especially with more snow loading. 

 

 

 

 

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