Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

There have been a few days during the last week when the danger has really felt somewhere between Moderate and Low.  This remains the case on Tuesday.  Avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider are unlikely, but triggering a Wet Loose avalanche on steep sunny slopes is possible.  With temperatures peaking on Tuesday, and overnight lows just barely reaching freezing below treeline, I'm sticking with the Moderate danger level.  During the hottest part of the day, evaluate the surface snow before committing to steep sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet Loose avalanches occurr when the snow surface melts and loses cohesion.  Of course this process is what creates soft pleasant riding, but as melting continues deeper into the snowpack it can lead to Wet Loose avalanches when the snow has so little cohesion it doesn't want to remain on the slope.  After more than a week of continuous freezing each night and melting every day, I don't expect to see large avalanches.  The concern is more for small avalanches that riders may trigger in steep or consequential terrain.  If you are planning to ride bigger or steeper slopes, evaluate the snow on the intended aspect so as not to be surprised.

    Remember that timing is important with Wet Loose avalanches.  With overnight low temperatures dipping just below freezing, Tuesday will be a good day to get an earlier start.

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