Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

For Sunday human triggered avalanches will be likely at mid and upper elevations. Large wind slabs will form on lee aspects near and above treeline. Storm slabs will also be possible below treeline as more snow falls. Be on the look out for any recent avalanches and/or cracking. If you observe any signs of instabilities move to lower angle slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With new snow and strong winds from the west, large wind slabs will form on northern, eastern, and southerly aspects near and above treeline. The avalanche danger will continue to rise throughout the day as snow falls and the wind transports snow.

    Wind slabs often form just below ridgelines and areas that catch snow. However, with strong winds we can sometimes see slabs form in unusual places such as lower down on slopes. Look for signs of wind slabs such as wind drifted snow, pillow-like features, and textured snow surface. While traveling, consider easing into the terrain and look for small, safe test slopes to assess for any instabitities. If you see any signs of instabilities such as recent avalanches or cracking, increase your margain of safety by seeking terrain lower than 30 degrees.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    As we accumulate 8" or more of new snow, be on the look out for storm slabs forming near and below treeline. Storm slabs can form in sheltered areas, and the slab size will increase as we get more snow. Be mindfull of storm slabs especially if traveling above any type of terrain trap (gulley, cliff, creeks, trees). If you see any signs if instability such as cracking, move to lower angle terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

With new snow and strong winds, always be mindful of cornices near ridgelines. We will likely have low visibility and wandering too close to a cornice is easy to do. Always give yourself some extra room around cornices. Also, with new snow be mindful of any dry loose avalanche activity. If traveling in steep terrain with unconsilidated snow, use sluff management techniques. 

On Saturday, we had overall good weather and some warmer temps in the mountains. A few small wind slabs were found on northern and easterly slopes near and above treeline, but no significant avalanche activity were observed.

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