Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avalanches will be likely on Monday due to continued rain and some of the warmest temperatures of the year.  If you choose to be out traveling in the backcountry on Monday, stear clear of cornices which could collapse and trigger avalanches on the slopes beneath.  When the slushy snow starts getting deep, and resulting avalanches would be larger, avoid steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Wet Slab slab avalanches can be difficult to predict.  We often see Wet Slab avalanches when it rains, and during significant warming events (particularly on dry snow or when temperatures remain above freezing overnight).  The rain both increases the load on our snowpack, and can percolate to weak layers within the snowpack.

    Wet Slab avalanches can be large and particularly damaging.

    Previously wind loaded snow on steep unsupported terrain is a common place to see Wet Slab initiation.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices have been growing rapidly during the last month or so.  Now rain and warm temperatures are weakening them.  Stear well away from cornices on Monday.

    Cornices can be damaging in and of themselves, but they are also great at triggering Wet Slabs and then Wet Loose avalanches.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain tonight and Monday afternoon, coupled with the warmest temperatures of the year will melt the surface snow.  As the ratio of liquid water to ice increases, the snow loses cohesion and Wet Loose avalanches will occurr.

    Wet Loose avalanches can be somewhat predictable if you make observations of how deeply the melting/slushy snow is extending.  Don't get caught off gaurd though as Wet Loose avalanches can be surprisingly powerful for their size.

Avalanche Discussion

The rain and warm temperatures that began today will continue overnight and on Monday.  Without significant cooling overnight avalanche danger will only continue to rise throughout the next 24 hours.  Be cautious as Cornice Collapses, and Wet Slab avalanches can be surprising and large.

By Monday night snow levels will be dropping below much of our ski terrain, and these avalanche problems should become less likely.

Regions covered