Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Sunday, there remains a small likelihood to trigger an avalanche on weak layers of snow buried deep in the snowpack on sheltered, shaded slopes at all elevations. If you were to trigger an avalanche on this layer, it could be very large and have high consequence. Due to this, extra caution is warranted on large, unsupported north facing slopes. With continued warm temperatures, small wet loose avalanches will also be possible on all steep sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Our field team has been monitoring two persistent weak layers buried in the snowpack on sheltered, shaded slopes. The primary layer of concern is buried surface hoar 50 cm below the surface. Additionally, a layer of faceted snow has been consistently located about 70 cm below the snow surface. Although there has not yet been any avalanche activity on either of these layers, we are consistently observing their presence, and receiving stability test results that align with an avalanche being possible. 

    This persistent slab problem is a low likelihood, high consequence situation. If a slide were to occur on these layers, it could easily be fatal. These problems are notoriously hard to predict and provide minimal feedback to warn of their potential to slide. Due to this, exercising extra caution on terrain where the PWLs could be present is highly recommended. Unsupported and larger slopes on these sheltered north aspects are where this problem would have higher consequence. Thin areas of the snow such as near large rocks and cliff bands are where you could be more likely to trigger these weak layers.

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Saturday, there was ample signs of wet loose avalanche activity with a couple small natural slides, and easy release of roller balls on any steep solar slope.  With a limited overnight freeze and highs in the 40's, wet loose avalanches will again be possible for Sunday. Even small wet loose avalanches can be dangerous in the presence of terrain traps. The added weight of wet snow also makes it challenging to escape wet slides. If you notice rollerballing or slushy snow that penetrates above boot top heights, consider shadier slopes.

    (3/7/2026)

    Rollerballing in slushy surface snow on a steep SE slope around midday Saturday

    Photo: Ryan Marvin

Avalanche Discussion

*Photos and video below are one week old but still relevant for current Persistent Slab problem*

Regions covered