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 we can expect wintery weather and avalanche conditions that we are more accustomed to seeing during the winter.  Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on north, east and south slopes near treeline and in alpine terrain.  The majority of these avalanches will be small, but avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider are not out of the question.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind Slabs are created when the wind moves new snow onto leeward slopes and also packs those snow crystals into a more cohesive slab.  Since the wind is such an important ingredient in this scenerio, we can expect Wind Slabs to most often exist where the wind blows freely high in the mountains or wherever tree cover is sparse.  These avalanches are commonly triggered beneath ridgelines or behind cross-loaded features, where wind blown snow comes to rest.

    When considering the potential size of Wind Slab avalanches consider the amount of new snow that has fallen in sheltered areas.  Wind blown snow can be 3-5 times as deep as the snow that has fallen in those sheltered meadows and glades.  If you are considering traveling on potentially wind loaded slopes, careful snowpack evaluation will be important.  Assess the potential for Wind Slabs on small test slopes, or safe slopes that are less than 30 degrees steep.  If you see cracking in the surface snow, find easy hand shear results, or any other evidence of hard over weak snow, than it is prudent to avoid avalanche terrain that could produce a dangerous Wind Slab avalanche. 

Avalanche Discussion

Driving up Century Drive today I was surprised by the near lack of snowbanks as you approach Dutchman Sno-Park.  The hills are holding lots of snow though, and on the west side of Tumalo Butte I measured 210 cm.  Hopefully, we'll have another day of shallow powder riding on Monday with cold temperatures and snow in the forecast.  We won't get enough new snow for Storm Slabs or Dry Loose avalanches to become an issue, but Wind Slab avalanches will build throughout the morning as the snow falls.

Regions covered