Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a wet snow avalanche will be possible at all elevations especially on steep slopes that are getting a lot of solar input during the warmest time of the day. These avalanches will mostly be too small to bury a person, but keep in mind that small avalanches can knock you off your feet and send you tumbling down steep terrain.  As the surface snow becomes wet and slushy, consider moving to lower angle terrain. Be cautious of cornices at ridgetops and avoid walking out on to them; they can break off under the weight of a person.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be more prominent  on steep slopes in the direct sun. I do not expect enough rainfall to affect the wet loose problem. The current forecast has less than 0.1 inches of rain. However, keep an eye on changing surface condtions. If the rainfall is heavier than expected, wet loose avalanches can happen on all aspects and avalanches may become larger in size. As the surface snow begins to feel wet or mucky, if you see rollerballs or pinwheels, or if you see recent wet snow avalanches, recongize these as signs that this problem is in play. Most wet loose avalanches will be small, but remember small avalanches can still have consequences in steep terrain. Getting knocked off your stance can lead to a long fall on steep slopes. 

    (4/8/2026)

    Wet loose avalanche debris on a steep southeast aspect above treeline. These were small avalanches (D1).

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Cornices

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

    New cornices formed during the last storm have the chance to break off on these warm days. Avoid stepping out onto a cornice. They can break under the weight of a person and can lead to a fall onto the slope below. Be cautious when approaching ridgetops, especially if you don't have a good vantage to see if a cornice is present or not. It is also wise to not linger under a cornice.

    Archive Photo

    Ridgetop cornices. 

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