Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be possible near and above treeline. Monitor the depth of wind deposits and be cautious on sustained steep slopes and above terrain traps such as cliffs, rocks, and other features that can increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche. Minimize your exposure to avalanches by sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees steep.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Sunday, I found some isolated pockets of wind drifted snow that were 12 - 16" thick. That is from just around 4 - 5" of new snow in the last few days. Not all wind deposits were that deep and most were shallow. Due to the variability, it is a good time to monitor the depth of wind slabs. Using your ski pole to probe down to the old snow surface (melt freeze crust). This is a great reference point and allows for easy guaging of slab depth. I am hesitant in keeping this problem up to D2, but after seeing deeper pockets of wind slab on Sunday, I think it is good to keep the potential for isolated  large avalanches in mind.

    On Sunday I observed cracking in wind slabs on east facing slopes near and above treeline. I also observed a recently triggered wind slab avalanche (rider triggered,  small D1, east aspect, near treeline). 

    With a few inches of snow possible through Monday afternoon combined with moderate winds, wind slabs will continue to build. Look for wind slabs on lee slopes below ridge tops, and around other features that accumulate wind blown snow. Cracking in the wind slab and recent avalanches are good indicators that you can trigger an avalanche. 

    Always watch for signs of wind blown snow in areas of sparse or dead trees.

     

    (3/24/2024)

    Small rider triggered wind slab avalanche on Sunday.  East aspect, near treeline. This avalanche was small (D1). The crown was up to 30 cm (12") deep. There were tracks going in and tracks going out. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

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