Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely throughout the majority of our snowy terrain.  On steep south faces, small wet snow instabilities are possible later in the day.  These small wet avalanches could be large enough to knock a rider off their feet on a steep slope.  Regardless of where you are riding, don't throw caution to the wind because you see the Low Danger rating.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Temperatures on Wednesday are forecast to approach 50 degrees and the sky will be mostly clear.  This warming melts the snow surface and can lead to Wet Loose avalanches.  On Wednesday these avalanches will be limited by the amount of newer snow that exists on south facing slopes.  Most of the snow there is on south faces survived the drought from January, and is much less likely to be entrained by wet snow instabilities.  If you are targeting sunny slopes on Wednesday, pay attention to how deep the melted snow gets; don't get knocked off your feet in consequential terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Since we've experienced such diverse weather (a little snowfall last week, winds on Sunday and Monday, and now sunshine), we have a similar diversity of snow surfaces.  Consider what the sun and wind do to the snow, and plan to ride the aspect and elevation that have the snow you prefer.

Regions covered