Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches will be possible on steep lee slopes where the wind has blown our most recent snow.  These Wind Slab avalanches are most likely to exist below ridgelines on slopes that face north and east.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday afternoon, wind slab development was very predictable.  The wind was moderate from the southwest, and I could see snow being blown along the ground near treeline.  Sure enough, there were relatively stiff wind slabs on east slopes.  Hand shears found numerous wind slabs built on top of each other with cold dry snow from earlier in the week comprising the weak layer.  While wind speeds are forecast to taper off overnight, the slabs that were formed today will need time to stabilize.

Avalanche Discussion

Near 7000 ft. I found about 45 cm. on Monday.  The top 35 cm. is nice dry snow that we've gotten since last Friday.  Below that is 10 cm. of snow that survived the last rain event before things cooled off.  Until we get closer to 1 meter of snow, riding will still warrant a bit of caution to avoid obstacles like rocks and logs. 

Regions covered