Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Saturday, avalanches are possible on steep, unsupported, north facing slopes.  We have been finding a weak layer of faceted snow about 8 inches beneath the surface on these north slopes.  As new snow piles up, the likelihood and size of these avalanches will increase.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    There is currently a weak layer of faceted snow that is buried about 8 inches below the snow surface.  The good news is that this weak layer only exists on sheltered north facing slopes.  We haven't seen any avalanches on this layer yet.  As more snow piles up on top of it, the chances of triggering a dangerous avalanche will increase.  Be careful or avoid steep, unsupported slopes that face north.

    On Saturday, these avalanches may be the most dangerous on slopes that the wind has blown new snow onto.  This wind blown snow may be deeper and form a harder  slab over the weak faceted layer.

Avalanche Discussion

Last weekend's snow seemed to arrive just in time, and I'm glad to see that next week looks even better!  There are a couple of layers of weak snow at Paulina that could prove problematic.  Initially, the priority will be the layer of faceted snow that lies 8 inches below the surface on some north facing slopes.  These facets represent the old snow that was on the surface before last Sunday's snowfall.  I say this is the priority because it is already buried and avalanches could occur on this layer.

I also observed surface hoar on Friday.  Surface hoar is the feathery, sparkly snow that grows on the snow surface.  Once it becomes buried, it represents a potential weak layer.  On Saturday and Sunday, it won't have enough snow on top of it to produce dangerous avalanches.  Later in the week it could become a problem as more snow falls on top of it.

Regions covered