Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in isolated pockets of wind deposited snow or in very steep terrain where the snow has become slushy will be possible on Thursday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Monday's Extreme winds were followed by warm temperatures on Wednesday, so there is not a lot of remaining snow available for transport. Thursday will be warm, with light winds. This means that, generally, we can expect our wind slab hazard to be decreasing. However, we still have some uncertainty around conditions up high, and there could be lingering isolated pockets of wind slabs on northwest through southeast aspects. Evaluate recently wind loaded slopes carefully before committing to steep terrain. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Thursday will get quite warm, with temperatures up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at mid-elevations. Small wet loose avalanches will be possible, especially in wind-sheltered terrain below treeline, where snow remained soft until Wednesday. Much of our south-facing terrain near and above treeline got scoured earlier this week, so it's hard to imagine this snow surface producing large wet loose avalanches. However, any remaining soft snow will lose cohesion as it gets warmed by the sun. Pay attention to steep, sunny slopes as the day heats up. If you see roller balls, pinwheels, or you start sinking into slushy snow, move to lower angle or shaded terrain. Avoid terrain traps like cliffs, tight trees, and gullies, which would make the consequences of a small avalanche worse. 

Regions covered