Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind Slab avalanches were observed on steep North and East slopes at treeline on Tuesday.  These avalanches will continue to be possible on Wednesday, particularly on convex slopes that are 35 degrees or steeper.  Wind slabs from this last storm cycle have propogated unusually far.  While Wind Slabs will most often exist on North and East slopes, they may be found on any aspect near treeline and in the alpine due to local variations in wind speed and direction.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With increased visibility this morning, I could see many crowns from a widespread natural avalanche cycle at Tam Rim during the last storm.  All of the crowns that I saw were at treeline, and on obviously wind loaded slopes.  While most were relatively shallow (approx. 30 cm) they propogated quite far and we observed debris from an R4 D2.5 slide (nearly large enough to wreck a car).  Skier triggered Wind Slabs from Tuesday were also observed (picture).  These wind slabs will slowly be settling, but continue to be possible on Wednseday.

    Remember that burned and open areas mimic near treeline elevations when it comes to Wind Slab avalanches regardless of actual elevation.  The wind easily moves snow through this terrain.

    (3/14/2023)

    Sz 1 Wind Slab on North slope at treeline.

    *this slope had already slid the day before and been re-loaded by the wind*

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices experienced rapid growth during the last two days, and seemed a bit touchy today.  I'll be giving them a little extra room on Wednseday.

Avalanche Discussion

Another round of snow on Tuesday afternoon added 5-7 cm. to the 20-30 cm. from our last storm.  While much of this snow came in warm and heavy it has already begun to settle below treeline as evidenced by the settlement cones I was seeing today.  Near treeline and in the alpine Wind Slab avalanches will remain possible and could be large.  All of our recent avalanches have been direct action avalanches and we haven't found any perisistent weak layers of concern.

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