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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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 in wind drifted snow and possible in the new storm snow layers. Avalanches in wind drifted snow will be primarily on north, east, and south facing slopes near and above treeline while avalanches in the new storm snow can happen anywhere the snow has not been removed by the wind. Recognize signs of unstable snow such as previous avalanches and cracking in the surface snow and move to lower angle slopes less than 30 degrees if you have uncertainty in the stability of the snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The westerly wind will continue to build wind slabs overnight and into Friday. There were observations of cracking in the new wind slab and small avalanches on Thursday. These are good signs that triggering an avalanche can happen. Use careful evaluation when traveling on lee slopes. Monitor the depth of windloading and remember as wind slabs become deeper, avalanches can become larger. Look for ways to move through the terrain and avoid heavily loaded slopes. 

    The sustained westerly wind during this storm has moved a lot of snow and it all goes somewhere. Remember clearings and areas with dead or sparse trees can experience the wind effect and allow for the formation of wind slabs. 

    (12/7/2023)

    Cracking in fresh wind slab at the top of the Tumalo Bowl on Thursday (east aspect, near treeline). Wind slabs were isolated. With continued blowing snow they will conitnue to build.

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Storm Slabs

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

    On Thursday I did not observe slab characteristics in the new storm snow. The new snow was adhering to the old surface and had a right side up structure. However with  more snow in the forecast overnight and into Friday, lets keep storm slabs in mind. This will be a good day to utilize small  test slopes to check for any release in the storm slab  before commiting to big steep slopes. Hand shear tests can be usefuly to look for slab characteristics such as a cohesive slab over weaker or less cohesive snow. 

    Triggering small dry loose avalanches is also possible in the new storm snow especially in steep terrain.

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