Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in recently wind drifted snow will be possible at upper elevations, primarily above treeline on northerly and easterly facing slopes.  Triggering wet snow avalanches will be possible at all elevations on slopes that are in the direct sun, especially during the warmest time of the day. Be cautious on steep slopes that have accumulated recent blowing snow especially above rocks and cliffs. If surface snow becomes wet and slushy to boot top or deeper, consider moving to more shaded slopes or slopes out of the direct sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Thursday I observed near constant blowing snow above treeline along the high alpine ridges. Snow was moving from the south and southwest and filling in lee features on north and east facing slopes. This problem will live on in isolated pockets of steep terrain above treeline. Triggering a wind slab avalanche will be hard to do on most slopes. The suspect places to watch for are the pieces of terrain that act like funnels and concentrate and collect the blowing snow. I expect most avalanches will be small but there could be some features that can still produce a large avalanche. 

    Older wind slab and wind slabs at lower elevations were non reactive to ski cuts on test slopes on Thursday.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet avalanches will mostly be small in size, but keep an eye on changing surface conditions. Look for roller balls as a precursor to the wet avalanches. As snow becomes wet and slushy to ankle deep or more, avalanches can start to increase in size. If the snow in the upper pack becomes wet and slushy to boot top or deeper, consider moving to other aspects out of the direct sun.  Triggering a small avalanche in steep terrain can lead to a long slide. Keep an eye on the terrain below and be cautious in places where you can trigger a wet loose avalanche above terrain traps such as rocks and cliffs.

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