Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

I'm optimistic that we'll see some new snow on Wednesday morning.  This latest snow will arrive with Strong winds from the West.  At higher elevations, avalanches will be possible on the slopes (often East facing) that the wind has blown this latest snow onto. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    I've never been so happy to forecast a Wind Slab problem!  The depth and thus size of Wind Slabs will vary dramatically by elevation.  This is because of the dropping snow levels during the period of precipitation.  The highest elevations could pick up quite a bit of new snow, while we will see considerably less near treeline.  Keep this in mind when assessing the potential danger from Wind Slab avalanches.

    There was barely any snow near treeline before this latest storm.  This may inhibit Wind Slab development at these lower elevations initially.  Once there is enough snow to ride on, you should be considering avalanches.  Rocks and boulders could make the results of being in an avalanche worse.

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, I hiked to the top of Tumalo Butte (7775 ft.) in my sneakers.  There was virtually no snow along the summer trail and only patches on the summit.  The bowl itself was still holding old snow, but there wasn't much.  Before this round of precipitation, places to ride were few and far between.

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