Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger a slab avalanche in wind drifted snow on north, east, and south facing slopes near and above treeline. Monitor lee slopes for signs of wind loading and unstable snow such as shooting cracks in the surface snow. Most avalanches will be small, however evaluate slopes for terrain features that can increase the consequence of being caught in an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Wednesday, wind slabs were found to be stubborn to triggering and no wind slab avalanches were reported. Blowing snow was still observed in the afternoon on Wednesday and on some specific terrain features, wind slabs will continue to form. With several inches of new snow possible in the afternoon on Thursday, shallow wind slabs may continue to build into the evening. Monitor where wind deposits are accumulating and be cautious on wind loaded slopes with terrain traps below.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    This problem is related to a layer of surface hoar that was buried on Dec. 8th and is typically 40 - 60 cm (16 - 24 ") below the surface. This layer has been found in many snow pits and is still present in the snowpack, although it is becoming increasingly stubborn in snowpack testing. No avalanche activity has been reported on this layer in the last 10+ days and no signs of unstable snow in the terrain associated with this layer have been observed recently. In rare isolated terrain there is a low likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer.

Regions covered