Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

At least one wind slab avalanche was skier triggered on Friday; triggering a slab avalanche in wind deposited snow will also be possible on Saturday. Look for signs of where wind blown snow has accumulated and watch for signs of unstable snow such as cracking or previous avalanches. Evaluate wind loaded slopes carefully before dropping into steep or committing terrain and when in doubt about snow stability, move to lower angle terrain less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A large wind slab (D2) was skier triggered on a north northeast slope near treeline on Friday. Blowing snow was also observed during the day on Friday adding to wind slab development. Wind slabs will not be equal everywhere. I expect in some places they will be stubborn to trigger or even non reactive. In other pockets of terrain, wind slab avalanches will still be possible to trigger. Use carefull evaluation before committing to lee slopes, especially above steep slopes and terrain traps such as trees, rocks, cliffs, and gully features.

    Visual clues can help you to identify where wind slabs have formed. Pillowy drifts or a wavy surface texture can indicate where wind slabs are present.

    Wind slabs may be found in places like clearings and areas with sparse trees even below treeline. Burned areas and slopes with dead trees can experience a big wind affect and get a lot of wind deposited snow. 

    This problem can be avoided by sticking to the sheltered slopes where little wind effect has occured. 

    (4/7/2023)

    D2 Wind slab skier triggered on Friday. Near treeline, NNE aspect.

    Photo: Jonas Tarlen

  • Cornices

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

    Be cautious when approaching ridge tops where cornices may be hanging over lee slopes. Stepping out onto a cornice could result in a break and a fall onto the slope below. Recent blowing snow has added to the 'diving board' and cannot be easily seen as you approach ridge top from behind. Fresh cornices can be fragile,  break easily, and can trigger slides on the slope below.

    (4/7/2023)

    Cornice above the east bowl on Tumalo, near treeline. There are many large cornices hanging over lee slopes in central Oregon. Beneath the cornice is a crown from a wind slab avalanche (timing and trigger unkown).

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    With slightly cooler temperatures overnight and Saturday, wet loose avalanches will become less likely but still something to watch for at the lowest elevations. Rain and/or warm temperatures can cause the surface snow to become wet and slushy and lack cohesion. As the surface snow becomes wet and mushy to boot top or deeper, be cautious in steep terrain especially above terrain traps. Watch for roller balls and pinwheels as precursors to wet loose avalanches.

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