Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Continue to use caution on lee slopes where the wind has blown in additional snow and created Wind Slabs.  There were reports of touchy wind slabs at Tam Rim today, at least one of which was big enough to bury or injure a person.  The possibility for a few inches of new snow, along with continued winds from the West means that it will still be possible to trigger a Wind Slab tomorrow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As Jonas' observation reported, Wind Slabs were touchy today at Tam Rim.  With only 10-12 cm of new snow I was surprised to see a natural D2 slide (likely triggered by a natural cornice collapse).  Wind slabs typically stabilize within a day or two, but with continued winds from the West, and the chance for some new snow, it will still be possible to trigger Wind Slab avalanches tomorrow.  Remember to look for signs of consolidated snow on lee slopes at and above treeline and to make these observations from safe slopes less than 30 degrees.  Often you will see cracking or thin slabs when you make your kick turns.  Hand shears are also a great test for this avalanche character.

    D2 Wind Slab on an East slope 7400 ft.

Avalanche Discussion

We have been getting more and more snow!  Short brakes between storms have mostly allowed storm snow to settle relatively quickly.  Phil's profile from Todd Ridge today shows a "right side up" snowpack with the weakest snow at the surface, and this is the predominant trend that we've been finding across the region.  I haven't seen evidence of any persistent week layers or facted snow in our snowpack.

Regions covered