Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

On Monday afternoon it will be possible to trigger Wet Loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes.  Avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider are unlikely, but small avalanches can be consequential in steep or committing terrain.  Pay attention to how deep the snow is melting and anticipate that amount of snow sliding with you on steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Debris from Wet Loose avalanches has been observed throughout the terrain.  The avalanche hazard was minimal on Sunday due to cooler temperatures.  With warmer temperatures in the forecast for Monday, I expect Wet Loose avalanches will once again be possible.

    Sunday night should provide a solid refreeze.  Time your tour and choose aspects to find soft, safe snow.  The goal is to ride slopes late enough in the day that they have melted a few inches, but not so late in the day that Wet Loose avalanches would be dangerous.

    After a prolonged stretch of warm weather we are less likely to see natural avalanche activity as a warning sign.  As I mentioned in the bottom line, observe how deeply the snow has melted.  If you are planning on riding a steep sunny slope, anticipate that amount of snow could be sliding with you.  Wet Loose avalanches are often slow moving, but can run far and be surprisingly forceful.

    (4/21/2024)

    Wet Loose avalanche from the last day or two.  Approx. 6600 ft. East.  D1 but still sizeable.

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

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