Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Natural Wet Loose avalanches have been observed during the last few days.  On Thursday, large natural avalanches are unlikely, but it will remain possible to trigger small avalanches in steep terrain where the snow has melted and become slushy.  Cornices will remain weak and should be given an extra margin of safety.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet Loose avalanches have been observed throughout our terrain.  Today I saw Wet Loose debris in Broken Top bowl beneath the steepest terrain and particularly emanating from below cliffs and rocks that radiate their heat to the surrounding snow.  After Wednesday's warm temperatures and clear skies, I would expect that natural avalanche activity has peaked.  Rider triggered Wet Loose avalanches will remain possible. 

    Wet Loose avalanches large enough to injure or bury a rider will be unlikely at alpine elevations where the temperature will be cooler.

    Thursday is forecast to be cloudier, which means less heat from the sun.  At the same time, cloud cover can also trap heat that would otherwise be re-radiated to the atmosphere.  This may mean that the snow surface doesn't refreeze and then melt as predictably as we might like.

  • Cornices

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

    On Thursday warm temperatures will melt the snow and weaken existing cornices.  Early spring is a good time to give cornices a little extra room; many have been growing steadily all season and this is the first sustained warm weather we've received.

Regions covered