Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Wind slabs formed by westerly winds over the last several days will still be possible to trigger on Saturday. Wind slabs will be found on lee slopes below ridgetops and around  specific features that catch blowing snow. Evaluate slopes for signs of wind loading and ease into steeper terrain where wind slabs have formed in recent days.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind backed off on Friday and not as much blowing snow was observed compared to previous days. Previously formed wind slabs will be trending to being more stubborn to trigger but I want to keep the likelihood at possible for another day. As Saturday clears up and allows for better access to the high country be very cautious around wind loaded pockets of steep terrain.

    Monitor the depth of wind drifted snow as you move through lee terrain below ridge tops. As you observe increased depth of wind loaded snow, expect resulting avalanches to become larger. Ease into steeper terrain. Look for cornices and pillowy, wavy, or chalky surface texture to indicate where wind slabs have formed. If you encounter cracking in wind drifted snow, or observe recent avalanches, that is a good indication to stay off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche Discussion

There were reports of small skier triggered wind slab avalanches on northeast and east slopes near treeline on Friday (size D1; 4-12" crowns).

Watch for cornices when approaching ridgetops, especially in exposed alpine terrain. 

 

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