Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches will be possible above treeline on slopes that the wind has blown snow onto.  We have been receiving relatively light amounts of new snow with relatively Light winds.  At the highest elevations the winds are stronger and there is more dry snow to blow around.  If you are heading up high on Monday, be cautious on steep east and north facing slopes below ridgetops.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Continuing Light snowfall with Light West winds could lead to a Wind Slab avalanche problem at the highest elevations.  If we get good enough visibilty to venture up high, be mindful of how much new snow has blown onto north and east slopes below ridgetops.  I expect most wind slabs will be small, but on a few slopes they could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  Assess how deep this new snow is and whether it is reactive on representative slopes (same aspect and elevation as what you want to ride) that are smaller or less steep than actual avalanche slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

On Sunday I toured on Ball Butte.  This winter it is hard to complain about any day when there is snow falling from the sky (see picture).  An inch or two of newer snow overlaid a crust that was just strong enough to support me on my skis, but not in my boots.  Beneath this crust were wet snow crystals, that made snowmobiling a bit "surfy"/mushy.  I didn't find a wind slab problem on the slopes that I toured on at Ball.  I was very limited by visibility.  I expect wind slabs were possible at higher elevations where there was more dry snow, and stronger winds.  I made a short video explaining the weather and upper snowpack (below).

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