Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches will be likely on slopes where wind blowing snow has accumulated primarily on north, east, and south facing slopes near and above treeline. Triggering an avalanche in the new storm snow will be possible on all aspects where new snow has not been moved by the wind. Monitor the depth of new snow and wind drifted snow and use careful evaluation before committing to steep terrain, especially above terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind is expected to be sustained in the mid 20 mph range through Friday morning. I expect there will be a lot of blowing snow and wind slabs will be building as the new snow comes in. New wind slabs can be sensitive to triggering. Use careful evaluation evaluation before dropping onto lee terrain features. Use safe slopes to check the depth of wind deposited snow. If you observe cracking in wind drifted snow or see signs of recent wind slab avalanches, this is a good sign you can trigger avalanches. Wind slabs can be sneaky and may not show up on all lee slopes. Use visual clues to help you determine where wind slabs are. Look for blowing snow, new cornice growth, and a wavy surface texture to help identify where blowing snow is ending up. Wind slabs typically form below ridges, peaks, and around any features that catch blowing snow.  The melt freeze crust formed last week is a good marker to use in judging the depth of new snow and wind loading. 

    Below treeline, places like clearings and areas with sparse or dead trees can accumulate enough blowing snow to be a concern for wind slab avalanches. 

     

    (4/20/2023)

    Small wind slabs were skier triggered on Thursday near treeline. This picture is from an ENE slope. 

    Photo: Jonas Tarlen

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow coming in Thursday night could add up to another 8" of new snow. This combined with warming temperatures on Thursday will lead to potential for storm slab avalanches. This problem will depend on how much snow actually comes in.  Monitor the depth of new snow and look for heavy snow over lighter snow. A good test for this is to turn your ski pole upside down and poke the handle into the snow to feel for different densities. If we get 8" or more new snow be cautious in steep, rolling, and unsupported terrain. Remember even small avalanches can have consequences on steep slopes or above terrain traps. This problem may be found anywhere the wind has not blown the new snow away.

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

Continue to keep cornices in mind and be cautious when approaching ridge tops. They can be difficult to see especially in poor visibility conditions. Stepping out onto a cornice can result in a big drop onto the slope below. 

By the afternoon at lower elevations, such as around Sanitam Pass, wet loose avalanches could come into play. If you find the snow surface becoming wet and slushy to ankle deep or deeper,  or if you observe rollerballs coming down, recognize these as precursory signs of wet loose avalanches. Even small wet loose avalanches can cause you to loose your footing in steep terrain. 

Regions covered