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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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

An ongoing storm will result in increasing avalanche hazard throughout the day on Wednesday. Human triggered avalanches will be possible on steep leeward slopes where wind has deposited deeper snow drifts. Increase caution and exercise conservative decision-making later in the day as new snow continues to accumulate, and the size and consequence of a potential avalanche increases.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With minimal new snow to start the morning on Wednesday, I anticipate avalanche hazard to begin the day with "low" hazard. With snowfall ramping up late morning and through the afternoon, it is certainly possible that conditions could creep into the "considerable" threshold by end of day, as models are showing some uncertainty with a range of expected snowfall totals. The important thing is to keep the assessment brain turned on throughout the day, and don't assume that if stability seems good on your first lap, it will continue to be good on proceeding laps. Monitor snow depths as the day progresses, and understand that more snow can increase likelihood and consequence of triggering an avalanche. Visual clues like recent avalanche activity and shooting cracks or collapsing of the snow are the best indicators for you to take a step back and make conservative terrain choices. Additionally, low consequence indicator slopes are a great way to gain a better understanding of current conditions. If you have any doubt of the stability, stay below treeline or seek slopes less than 30 degrees.

     

    (3/12/2025)

    Archived photo showing an example of shooting cracks in the snowpack.

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

Avalanche Discussion

On my tour at Ball Bute on Tuesday, I was surprised to see that above 7,000' around 7" of recent storm snow had fallen since Sunday night on top of the melt-freeze crust from our previous high pressure spell. This recent snow was very saturated from the warm temps and "wintry mix" of Tuesday's precipitation. Leaving Dutchman mid-afternoon, I encountered on/off rain. With cooling temperatures into Wednesday, our new snow should cover up this saturated mush nicely. All-in-all, this week's bout of low pressure systems should help conceal some of the low coverage hazards that have been popping up around our terrain, and hopefully extend our season!

Regions covered