Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

On Tuesday the avalanche danger will increase in proportion to the amount of new snow that we receive.  Avalanches will be likely and could be large on slopes where the wind has blown the new snow into Wind Slabs.  Conservative decision making will be important on north and east slopes near treeline and in alpine elevations.  If storm totals approach the 12 inch mark, we may also see avalanches below treeline.  Use small, steep test slopes and other observations along your skin track to assess the potential for Storm Slab avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    There were observations of Wind Slab avalanches on Sunday.  On Monday I observed Moderate blowing snow at ridgetops near treeline and chose to avoid steep convex slopes in that terrain.  More snow and continued winds from the southwest and west, mean that Wind Slab avalanches will be likely on Tuesday.  Conservative decision making will be important if you choose to travel on north and east slopes where the wind has blown snow.  Remember that wind deposited snow can be 3-5 times as deep as the new snow in sheltered areas.  This means Wind Slabs could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Cornices have been growing steadily since the weekend and will continue to grow with more snow and wind.  I'll be giving cornices a bit of extra space on Tuesday, particularly in low visibility.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    I'm not sure we'll see enough new snow to present a significant Storm Slab problem on Tuesday.  Nonetheless, snowfall totals could reach the 10-12 inch mark, particularly near the crest and by late in the day on Tuesday.  With that much new snow it would be foolhardy not to consider Storm Slab instabilities.  So far the newest snow has been cohesive but has been bonding well with the old snow layers.  If the new snow starts to pile up on Tuesday afterrnoon, use test slopes, hand shears, and other skin track observations to determine if there is an avalanche problem low in the terrain.

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