Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches will be possible on Saturday. The main concern will be wind slabs near and above treeline on lee aspects. Wind slabs will likely be below ridgelines, in accumulation zones and can have pillow like and/or smooth surface features.  Avoid wind loaded slopes if you suspect slabs and/or stick to slopes lower than 30 degree.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Human triggered wind slabs will be possible near and above treeline. With new snow forecasted and moderate to strong winds, we can expect to see some fresh slabs form. The winds will start off from the southwest and transition from the south by Saturday morning. 

    Look for signs of wind slabs such as cracking, smooth pillow like features, and rounded lense shape. Slabs will likely form in areas below ridgelines and accumulation zones. Consider stomping on safe/non-conconsequential test slopes to look for signs of cracking or small slabs. If in doubt, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees. Remember, wind transported snow can accumulate 3-5x deeper.

    On Friday while touring Ball Butte and Tumalo I was not able to get any wind slabs to slide on indicator slopes. I suspect the wind slabs we observed on Thursday are trending to be stubborn.  I also found cornices to be stubborn as well on Friday. It is always a good idea to stay clear of cornices as they can break back farther than you expect.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    It is possible we could see wet loose activity on steep slopes below treeline. This is due to above freezing temps during the day at lower elevations. Look for signs of wet loose activity such as pin wheels and fan shaped debris. 

    These will be small in size, however, they could be more consquential if they push you into terrain traps such as gulleys, cliffs and/or trees. Wet loose avalanches will start from below your feet and fan out. Avoid steep slopes if you suspect wet loose properties and/or use techniques to avoid such as sluff management.

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday I found snow below treeline to be heavy and dense. Near and above treeline I found a variety of snow surfaces such as wind effected snow, rime ice surfaces, areas with a thin breakable crust, and non-reactive wind slabs. Overall, I did not experience any cracking, wumpfing and/or see any avalanche activity.

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