Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

On Tuesday avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider will be unlikely, but it will be possible to trigger small Wet Loose avalanches.  The direction that a slope faces and the time of day will make all the difference.  Surface snow instabilities (small avalanches) will be most likely in the afternoon on steep south slopes when the sun has melted the most snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Monday I saw one very small natural Wet Loose avalanche that started below the cliffs at the back of Broken Top Bowl.  The high temperature at Moon Mt was 34.2 but the sun was doing a good job of melting sunny slopes.  Shady slopes stayed relatively firm.  On Tuesday watch for heightened avalanche conditions on very steep south slopes in the afternoon.  Remember that even a small avalanche can have larger consequences on big steep slopes.

  • Cornices

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

    When I got home today, my wife asked me if I saw any avalanches, if I triggered any avalanches, and if I kicked any cornices.  I saw one very small natural avalanche, and I didn't trigger any, but most importantly I'm steering clear of cornices for the rest of the season.  They are unpredicateable during the best of times.  The only thing that is predictable is that they will disappear in the next month or two.  It is worth remembering that even if you are traveling on a shady north slope with firm snow, the cornice above you may be baking in the sun.

Avalanche Discussion

As we leave Saturday night's rain event in the past we can look forward to standard spring conditions.  The forecast for this week calls for increasing daytime high temperatures, but continued refreezes each night (the perfect recipe for good corn riding!)  Moderate danger from Wet loose avalanches is likely to be the norm.  On Monday I observed a lot of rollerballs and debris from the weekend, and smooth snow seemed to be the premium terrain.

Regions covered