Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It will still be possible to trigger a Wind Slab avalanche on South slopes at treeline and in alpine terrain.  Relatively cold temperatures have meant that Sunday's Wind Slabs have been slow to stabilize.  If you are riding up high evaluate the extent of previous wind loading on safe slopes that are small or less than 30 degrees, before committing to steep, poorly supported terrain below ridgetops, or that may be crossloaded.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday I was still wallowing through relatively fresh wind loaded snow on the South (lee) side of ridges.  Unusually cold temperatures can sometimes mean that Wind Slabs remain sensitive longer than they otherwise might.  I expect the danger to continue to decline as more time passes since Sunday's Strong North winds, but it will still be possible to trigger a Wind Slab avalanche on Tuesday.

    South facing slopes that are crossloaded or immediately lee of ridgetops warrant at least a bit of caution or further investigation.

Avalanche Discussion

On Saturday night we received highly variable amounts of low density snow.  I saw ranges from 1-6 inches.  It was accompanied by Moderate-Extreme wind from the North that continued into Sunday.  Today we saw calm winds and sunny skies.  All of this means that snow surfaces vary widely by aspect and elevation.

We have no persistent weak layers of concern in our snowpack, and any avalanche characters relate directly to recent weather.

Regions covered