Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avoid all steep open slopes. Triggering avalanches will be a reality at all elevations and natural avalanches are possible and even likely in some terrain. Avalanches have the potential to be very large and destructive. Avalanche runouts into terrain traps such as constricted gullies, cliffs, rocks, and trees will have vicious consequences. This is not a day to outsmart the snowpack. Choose conservative terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    This is the type of day where snowpack testing holds less meaing. Take the safe bet and avoid steep wind loaded terrain. The Oregon snowpack during big storm cycles is fickle and we don't always get the feedback we want or expect. The criteria is there for large and dangerous avalanches - lots of new snow and lots of wind. Natural avalanches will be likely in some terrain features. 

    With strong winds and an abundance of new snow, select areas "below treeline" can also have wind slab conditions. Dead forests and sparse trees are the places to keep an eye on. 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Triggering a storm slab avalanche can happen on any aspect/elevation the wind has not stripped away the recent snow including sheltered and wind protected areas at upper elevations. Avoiding steep, convex, and unsupported will be the safe bet. With the abundance of new snowfall expected, storm slab avalanches have the chance to be larger than what we typically see during storms. 

    Natural avalanches occuring in the recent snow are possible. 

    Dry loose ("slough") avalanches are also possible and can be large especially in steep constricted terrain.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Cornices have been growing over the last few days and will continue to do so. During stormy times it can be very difficult to see cornices in low visibility situations. Be cautious when approaching ridgetops. Stepping out onto a cornice can result in a fall onto the slope below. Don't linger underneath cornices. The chance of a natural cornice fall is slim, but if there is a time for that this is one of them. New cornices are fragile. Falling cornices can also trigger avalanches on the slope below. 

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