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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Highlights

Both natural and skier triggered Wind Slab avalanches were observed on Sunday.  Similar avalanches will continue to be possible on Monday as these instabilities can linger for a day or two.  Wind Slab avalanches are most likely to occurr on North and East slopes at treeline or in the alpine where Sunday's Moderate winds blew the most recent snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Tam MacArthur Ridge has been the repeat offender with numerous Wind Slab avalanches to size 2 occurring during the last several days.  Likely "Tam" has been the sweet spot; checking all of the boxes for where Wind Slabs are likely (North facing slopes at treeline), but also being accessible and having enough visibility for folks to be there skiing.  By no means are Wind Slabs unique to this region and very likely this problem exists unobserved elsewhere in the terrain.  This is worth keeping in mind as a more settled weather forecast may induce folks to venture higher into the alpine.

    While we will see less blowing snow on Monday, remember that old Wind Slabs can take a day or two to stabilize.  Be skeptical of steep unsopported slopes below ridgelines that face North or East.  Evaluate previous windloading from safe slopes that are less than 30 degrees.

  • Cornices

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

    The same factors that have created our Wind Slab problem have also contributed to recent cornice growth.  As always be cautious around cornices and remember that they often break further back than folks anticipate.

Avalanche Discussion

As of Sunday evening 10-15 cm of storm snow from this weekend overlays the crust from Friday that formed with warm temperatures and rain.  We don't have any significant persistent weak layers in our snowpack, and all recent avalanches have been Wind Slabs associated with the lastest storm snow and associated wind.

Regions covered