Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger at the upper elevations is decreasing, but continue to watch for isolated terrain features that could have pockets of unstable snow, specifically areas that were previously filled in with wind transported snow. Wet snow avalanches remain possible, especially on steep slopes in the direct sun during the warmest time of the day. Most avalanche activity will result in small avalanches, but be aware that small avalanches on sustained steep slopes can lead to a long fall and the outcome can be worse if there are cliffs, rocks, or trees below you.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    I am moving this down to unlikely, but there could be pockets of terrain where some evaluation is warranted before committing to steep consequential terrain. Isolated terrain features in the upper elevations that collected previously blowing snow are the places to watch for and could harbor unstable snow. A good strategy is to find a safe low angle piece of terrain to evaluate the wind slab before committing to the start zone. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet snow avalanches will mostly be small in size, but keep an eye on changing surface conditions. Look for roller balls as a precursor to the wet avalanches. As snow becomes wet and slushy to ankle deep or more, avalanches can start to increase in size. If the snow in the upper pack becomes wet and slushy to boot top or deeper, consider moving to other aspects that are shaded or out of the direct sun. Triggering a small avalanche in steep terrain can lead to a long slide. Keep an eye on the terrain below and be cautious in places where you can trigger a wet loose avalanche above terrain traps such as rocks and cliffs.

Avalanche Discussion

Continue to be cautious around cornices at ridge tops. Avoid stepping out onto a cornice and breaking through to the slope below. There are some large cornices above northerly and east facing slopes above treeline.

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