Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet snow avalanches will be possible at all elevations as the sun heats up the snow surface especially during the warmest time of the day. Wet slushy snow can move downhill fast on steep slopes. Most wet snow avalanches will be small, but small avalanches can lead to long falls in sustained steep terrain. Before committing to steep and extreme terrain, check the surface conditions; if the surface snow is wet and slushy consider moving to more shaded slopes or slopes out of the direct sun. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    With slightly cooler temperatures on Sunday, it will take a while for the surface to soften up. Slopes in the direct sun may warm up enough by midday to bring on the wet loose problem. These will mostly be small. The real concern is wet loose avalanches in sustained steep terrain. Wet heavy snow moving on steep slopes can pick up a lot of speed and can knock you off your feet and send you for a tumble or into terrain traps such as rocks and cliffs. This problem will be more likely on steep slopes in the direct sun and at the lower elevations. Keep an eye on the surface and how the sun/warming is affecting it. If the snow becomes wet and slushy, then wet loose avalanches can happen.

     

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    With cooler daytime high temperatures on Sunday, natural cornice breaks will have a lower likelihood but it is not out of the question. Hedge your bets and stay out from under cornices, especially during the warmest time of the day. 

Regions covered