Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Several inches of new snow overnight accompanied by southwest winds will increase the avalanche danger on north and east facing slopes where the wind has blown that new snow.  These Wind Slabs will likely be small.  Don't be blinded by your desire for softer riding; make sure to assess the depth and consistency of wind blown snow before riding steep slopes up high.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The danger from wind slabs depends on how much new snow we receive overnight.  If we wake up to an inch of new snow, the danger will be minimal.  If there is enough soft snow that you're staying off the crust, than Wind Slabs could be large enough to take you for a ride.  Wind deposited snow accumulates 3-5 times as deep as the snow that's fallen in windless meadows and glades.  Over the last few days observers have been finding lots of near surface facets and surface hoar at treeline and in the alpine which may create a particularly weak layer beneath this new snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Today near 7000 ft. I measured 69 cm. of snow.  Unfortunately, much of our usual ski terrain is unrideable because of obstacles like rocks, logs and stumps.  Most of our snowpack shows the evidence of melting and refreezing (it's very crusty).  Observers have been finding weak snow (facets and surface hoar) on the snow surface as well as faceting beneath the surface crust.  This weak snow has been much more prevalent at higher elevations near treeline and in the alpine.  It hasn't provided much in the way of danger since there hasn't been a slab over it.  This may change a bit if wind slabs develop on north and east slopes, but due to the minimal amount of incoming snow it won't create a widespread avalanche problem.

Regions covered