Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

On Sunday in the Newberry Monument, human triggered avalanches will be possible on steep slopes where wind has deposited recent snow. With recent moderate - strong winds coming from a variety of directions, expect unusual wind loading patterns and be prepared for deep snow drifts to be present on any aspect and elevation, even open slopes below treeline. Avoid smooth and rippled surfaces below ridgelines and downslope from terrain features that may block wind and aid in snow redeposition.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Various winds over the last couple of days have resulted in a variety of loading patterns for recent snow in the Newberry zone. In the NW chutes area and summit bowl, there was an abundance of pronounced wind scouring of the snow surface in the upper zones of slopes.  The snow is blowing somewhere, and I observed many isolated pockets of wind slab mixed in nearby the wind scouring. The lower aprons in these areas appeared to have more widespread wind loading and surface slab. These varied winds along with the unique nature of the Newberry zone and it's many terrain features (e.g. cliffs, obsidian flow, open treed areas) result in this unusual scenario of wind slab possibility at any aspect and elevation. Look out for active wind loading (i.e. blowing snow) and snow surface clues to better understand where these wind slabs are present. If in doubt, stick to sheltered terrain, such as trees, or low angle slopes.

    The January 31st buried facet layer is still present in this area, however we have not been seeing a particularly weak structure, and recent stability test results have been an overall positive indications of it's strength. This layer has been found to be 50-60cm below the surface on sheltered, shaded aspects. Keep in mind that a large wind slab avalanche could step down to this old, deeper layer of weaker snow which would result in a very large avalanche.

    (2/15/2025)

    Paulina Peak has an abundance of terrain features that create swirling winds. Here is active wind blowing snow and very scoured surface snow. This was on a north facing chute. This same day I also found cornice development and wind loading on other N facing slopes. Active assessment is required when commiting to any consequential terrain.

    Photo: Ryan Marvin

Regions covered