Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

On Monday shallow Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on north and east slopes where Sunday's winds deposited snow.  The majority of avalanches will be very small except on slopes that receive the most wind blown snow like those at higher elevations, or with large amounts of terrain upwind to draw snow from.  Be cautious on large steep slopes where getting knocked off your feet could have more serious consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since we haven't had a ton of new snow recently and yesterday was so warm and sunny, I was surprised to see as much blowing snow as I did on Sunday.  I experienced Moderate winds and blowing snow from the southwest and west near treeline.  Very shallow wind slabs were beginning to form.  Although the wind will taper off overnight, shallow Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on Monday.  Be wary on slopes where the wind was strongest (high in the terrain) and on slopes that have a particularly large fetch (terrain that snow can blow from).  If you are considering traveling on potentially wind loaded slopes evaluate the depth and cohesion of wind loaded snow on smaller slopes or slopes less than 30 degrees.  Pole probing, hand shears, or ski cutting smaller test slopes are great ways to "test" the surface snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday's showery weather varied throughout the range depending on elevation and where you were in relation to the Cascade crest.  Further west in the range seemed a bit stormier, and lower elevation terrain like Santiam pass saw a little rain.  Add in the sunny weather on Saturday, and our snow surfaces are variable.

Regions covered