Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

On Sunday it will be unlikely to trigger an avalanche large enough to bury or injure a rider. It will be possible to find small pockets of reactive snow at upper elevations where wind has loaded recent snow on to east facing slopes. If you see signs of instability, move to lower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    By mid-afternoon Saturday, snow began falling above 7000 ft coupled with strong west winds. While forecasts call for relatively trace amounts of new snow (up to 1"),  there is chance for higher storm snow totals at upper elevations. The rain which came at the onset of Saturday's storm will provide a good sliding surface for any slopes that might be holding wind loaded snow.  In most cases the resulting instabilities will be shallow and small, however careful decisionmaking and assessment should be made before taking on consequential terrain. Watch for cracking on these lee slopes and if in doubt, investigate any potential wind slabs on slopes that are less than 30 degrees.  

Avalanche Discussion

The temperature trends from Saturday into Sunday are generally a good sign of a stabalizing snowpack. (ie warm -> cool).  There was ample evidence through Saturday morning of a wet loose avalanche activity in the Newberry zone, including debris, roller balls, and a very saturated snow surface. With temperatures dipping into the teens Saturday night, the forecasted new snow of up to 1" will not be enough to smooth and soften these firm and variable surface conditions. While this does not merit an avalanche concern, it does provide reason to exercise caution if new snow totals do amount to an inch or less.

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