Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches will be likely near and above treeline and possible below treeline for Sunday. Strong winds from the southwest will deposit wind slabs on lee aspects. Avoid wind loaded slopes, use caution with route finding, and if in doubt stick to slopes lower than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With up to 9" of new snow and strong winds, we will likely see new wind slabs form near and above treeline.  Due to the strong winds, we might see unusual wind loading patterns and/or wind slabs lower down on slopes than what we are used to. Wind slabs could be up to D2 in size (bury, injure or kill a person)

    Look for signs of wind loading such as drifting snow below ridgelines, smooth pillow like features and wavy textured snow. Other red flags to look for are recent avalanches and cracking. Consider using small/safe test slopes to stomp on to check for instability. Winds can deposite new snow many times deeper in areas of accumulation.

    Also, with new snow, strong winds, and likely low visabilty, stay clear from cornices.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As snow falls throughout the day, it is possible we will see storm slabs form below treeline. I suspect these will be small and shallow in nature and as deep as the new snow that falls. Use tests such as hand shears and safe test slopes to look for signs of instability. If in doubt, avoid terrain over 30 degrees.

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday I toured Hayrick Butte and did not see any avalanche activity. There was a fair amount of old frozen wet loose debris on steep terrain that was hazardous to ski through.

I did hear of two reports on Friday of recent avalanche activity. The first was at Tam McArthur Rim. A wind slab  (D2) was triggered on north facing terrain around 7,200ft.  Also, Moon Mountain and Ball Butte had some touchy wind slabs (D1) on east aspects. The cause was reported as heavy/dense wind slabs that is sitting on cold/lighter snow.

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