Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be possible near treeline and above treeline, primarily on northerly and east facing slopes. You can minimize your exposure to these avalanches by sticking to wind scoured slopes or by staying on low angle terrain. Be aware of rocks and other terrain traps below you that can increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The mountains could get around 8" or more of new snow by the late afternoon on Friday. Remember that wind slabs can be many times deeper than the new snow accumlation. Most wind slabs will be shallow and most wind slab avalanches will be on the small side, but be aware of certain terrain features that accumulate deeper drifts.  A good strategy is to utilize small test slopes to check for depth and reactivity of wind slabs before committing to steeper and bigger slopes. Deeper wind slabs can result in larger avalanches. Look for classic signs of unstable snow such as cracking in the slab or recent avalanches. When in doubt about the snow stabilith, avoid wind loaded areas or move to terrain less thant 30 degrees steep. 

    Archive Photo:

    Example of cracking in fresh wind slab.

Regions covered