Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches will be possible on slopes that the wind has blown the new snow onto.  These will primarily be north and east facing slopes beneath ridgelines.  Most of these wind slab avalanches will be relatively small but some could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday, I could see lots of snow being blown onto east slopes and new cornices forming.  At that point we had only received about an inch of new snow and recent wind slab growth was relatively thin.  Still, during these periods of continuing stormy weather, I am always leary to completely discount the wind slabs that formed the day before.   If you intend to travel on slopes that could be wind loaded, make sure you have good confidence in the snowpack on these lee slopes before riding anything steep or unsupported.  

Avalanche Discussion

We didn't see quite as much new snow as I had hoped on Monday with only an inch or two by evening.  I can't complain though, snow was falling from the sky and the temperature was dropping!

Observers had seen a lot of surface hoar throughout the terrain before last weekend's snow, but it hasn't been showing up much since then.  We haven't seen any avalanches on this layer, and when it shows up in snow profiles, it isn't very reactive.  I'll keep looking for it about 15 cm below the surface (maybe 20 by Tuesday).

Regions covered