Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a wet snow avalanche will be possible at all elevations especially on steep slopes that are getting a lot of solar input during the warmest time of the day. These avalanches will mostly be too small to bury a person, but keep in mind that small avalanches can knock you off your feet and send you tumbling down steep terrain.  As the surface snow becomes wet and slushy, consider moving to more shaded slopes or llower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be more prominent  on steep slopes in the direct sun. I do not expect enough rainfall to affect the wet loose problem. The current forecast has around 0.1 inches of rain expected. However, keep an eye on changing surface condtions. If the rainfall is heavier than expected, wet loose avalanches can happen on all aspects and avalanches may become larger in size. If the surface snow begins to feel wet or slushy, if you see rollerballs or pinwheels, or if you see recent wet snow avalanches, recongize these as signs that this problem is in play. Most wet loose avalanches will be small, but remember small avalanches can still have consequences in steep terrain. Getting knocked off your stance can lead to a long fall on steep slopes. 

    (4/9/2026)

    Rollerballs on a steep slope above treeline. Seeing rollerballs coming down a slope is a good indicator that wet loose avalanches can happen. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Cornices

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

    Avoid stepping out onto a cornice. They can break under the weight of a person and can lead to a fall onto the slope below. Be cautious when approaching ridgetops, especially if you don't have a good vantage to see if a cornice is present or not.  If you need to travel underneath a cornice, move fast and don't linger for too long. 

    Archive Photo.

    Avoid walking out onto one of these. Cornices can be difficult to spot when you are approaching a ridgetop from the side opposite of a cornice. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

The high elevations could get a dusting of snow overnight and during the day. The forecasted accumulation will not affect the danger rating but you could find some very shallow wind slabs. If the snowfall is heavier than expected and you find sizeable wind drifts, be cautious in steep terrain on lee slopes. 

Regions covered