Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

Small Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on slopes where the wind has blown the recent snow.  I expect these avalanches will be large enough to bury or injure a rider only on isolated  terrain features that receive the most wind deposited snow (places that are particularly windy, or adjacent to large open areas where the wind can draw snow from). 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Sunday I observed Moderate winds from the West and Moderate blowing snow.  We received relatively light accumulations of new snow (a couple inches) and there isn't much more in the forecast for the next 24 hours.  At Tam MacArthur Rim I observed very shallow Wind Slabs on test slopes (see picture), but did see one that had a bit of propagation to it (D1, North 7,200 ft.).  While these Wind Slabs will continue to grow as the wind continues to move snow around, there just isn't that much new snow.  On Monday Wind Slab avalanches will be small, except on those isolated terrain features that receive the most blowing snow.

    If you are choosing to ride near treeline or at alpine elevations, it will be worthwhile to evaluate the depth of newly blown snow on slopes that are smaller, or less than 30 degrees, before committing to more consequential slopes.

    (3/2/2025)

    A Very Shallow Wind Slab on a Northeast test slope at 7,400 ft.

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

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