Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet Loose avalanches are possible on steep South facing slopes.  If the melted snow is getting deep, it is time to avoid steep convex terrain.  Lower elevation terrain that doesn't get a solid refreeze overnight will be particularly susceptible to Wet Loose instability.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wet Loose avalanches occurr when daytime high temperatures and heat from the sun melt the snow.  When we get a solid refreeze overnight this is the same melting we rely on to create good corn skiing.  Be wary as the day progresses and the melted snow starts getting deeper than several inches, or in any terrain that doesn't refreeze.  Use your timing and aspect (what direction a slope faces) to find quality safe skiing.

    Large Wet Loose avalanches like those observed earlier this week are unlikely as we have now gone through some diurnal melt-freeze.

Avalanche Discussion

In town and in the mountains it sure feels like Spring, and this week we have seen the corresponding snowpack, and avalanche characters.  The only wild card that's been thrown in has been a few nights where temperatures didn't drop below freezing.  When this happens it can be a hinderance to corn skiing and makes Wet loose avalanches and Cornice collapses more likely.

Regions covered