Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago.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

Highlights

On Thursday you can trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow and in the new storm snow. Avalanches can happen at all elevations where there is enough snow to slide. Avalanches can be large, especially in areas where slides release in deep deposits of wind drifted snow. Minimize your exposure by sticking to lower angle terrain less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent storm snow with wind speeds sufficient to move snow have created new wind slabs. As visibility increases on Thursday, be cautious if you venture into the mid and upper elevations. New wind slabs are especially sensitive to triggering. Take some time to evaluate slopes especially if you are going into steep and committing terrain. A good strategy is to check out low angle terrain or small test slopes to check depth and reactivity of wind slabs. If you see cracking in the slab or recent avalanches, these are good indicators of unstable snow. The melt freeze crust underneath the recent snow is a great reference point for checking depth of wind slabs. As wind slabs become deeper, avalanches can become larger. Below ridges and  high points are common places where wind slabs form. Wind moving snow across a slope can fill in gully features and is also something to watch for especially in steep terrain.

    Open slopes below treeline may also have wind slabs. Areas of dead or sparse trees, exposed ridges, and clearings can have enough of a wind effect to get wind slab formation. 

    (4/15/2026)

    Cracking in wind slab on Wednesday. SE aspect near treeline. This was on a small test slope that was about 5 feet tall. I did not have to go out into a start zone on a big slope to gain this information. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Storm Slabs

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

    With temperature swings in the last 24 hours, we have the chance for mid storm instabilites in the recent snow that can increase the chances of triggering storm slab avalanches. Steep, convex, and unsupported terrain are the places you are more likely to trigger a storm slab. Using small test slopes to check for the reactivity of storm slabs is a good strategy. If you see cracking in the slab or recent avalanches recognize these as signs of unstable snow. 

    Dry loose avalanches will also be possible.

Avalanche Discussion

Be aware of where you are in relation to terrain traps. With our current low snowpack, there are many exposed rocks, cliffs, logs, etc. Getting caught by an avalanche and pushed into terrain traps can increase the consequence.

Recently formed cornices will be fragile and easily broken. Avoid stepping out onto a cornice. They can break under the weight of a person and can lead to a fall onto the slope below. Be cautious when approaching ridge tops, especially if you don't have a good vantage to see if a cornice is present or not. 

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