Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches will be possible in wind drifted snow near and above treeline on northern, easterly and southerly aspects. Look for wind textured snow surfaces, blowing snow and cracking. If you see these signs stick to lower angle slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With new snow forecasted and 2-5” of low density snow already available for transport, we will see fresh wind slabs form on lee aspects at mid and upper elevations. These will mostly be small however some larger slabs may form in isolated terrain features. Use caution in terrain where getting knocked off your feet could lead to higher consequences (i.e cliffs, trees, gulleys). You can often find wind slabs below ridgelines, isolated features that collect snow and anywhere the wind can freely blow snow.

    Your best bet is to monitor the depth of wind drifted snow. You can search for the old crust layer (with your pole or avy probe) which is a good landmark for assessing slab depth. I also use small/safe indicator slopes to travel on to look for signs of instabilities.

    Look for clues of slab formation such as blowing snow, textured snow surface and pillow like features. Also, be on the lookout for cracking, collapses and recent avalanches. If you start to see these signs your best bet is to stick to slopes under 30 degrees.

    Remember that wind can transport snow 3-5x deeper than the amount you find in a wind protected glade.

Avalanche Discussion

Friday turned out to be very pleasant day with light to moderate winds and sunny weather. Near treeline I was not able to find any wind slabs nor were there any reports of avalanches. Around 3pm I noticed the wind began to increase and I observed some blowing snow at ridgelines. Hopefully any slabs that form on the old crust layer will bond well. 

Regions covered