Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

For Sunday avalanches will be possible on steep sunny slopes due to warming temperatures. In addition, avalanches in wind drifted snow will be unlikley but something to keep on your radar. If you see signs of unstable snow due to warming, move to less sun effected slopes. If you see signs of instabilities in wind slabs, stick to slopes under 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Saturday I observed small (D1) wet loose avalanche activity on steep easterly, southerly and westerly slopes between 6,400ft up to 9,000ft. Some larger avalanches were reported on Three Fingered Jack as well. 

    With a slight increase in temperature wet loose avalanches will be possible on Sunday. This avalanche type is most common on steep sunny slopes. This problem occures when the snow surface looses cohesion (due to warming) and entrains more snow as it slides down hill. 

    Be on the lookout for rollerballs, slushy snow surface (ankle deep) and recent wet loose avalanche activity. If you start to find these signs, it’s time to move to less sun effected slopes. Your best bet is to use timing to avoid this avalanche problem. Although most of these will be small, if you get caught in or near a terrain trap this could lead to a worse outcome (i.e. cliff, trees, gulley).

    Continue to use caution around cornices as with warming temperatures these could be easier to trigger. Remember that cornices tend to break back farther than expected and it is best to give them a wide berth.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Within the past 24 hours we have had strong winds at ridgetops and wind loading observed near and above treeline. The wind has been shifting however it has primarily been coming from the east. Existing pockets of wind slabs may be present primarily on westerly aspects on isolated features.

    It is most common to find wind slabs below ridgelines and areas that catch snow. It's often easier to trigger slabs in terrain with steep, convexed and unsupported slopes. Be especially careful in and around terrain traps (cliffs, trees, gulley’s) where a small avalanche could lead to serious consequences.

    Look for clues such as pillow-like features, cracking and textured snow surface. If you see any signs of instabilities move to slopes under 30 degrees

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