Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Despite warm and sunny weather we have seen relatively little avalanche activity.  Sunday will be even warmer.  Wet Loose avalanches will be possible on steep South slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The icy crust from last Thursday has been keeping avalanche activity to a minimum.  Sunday will be our warmest day of the week with temperatures reaching above 50 degrees in lower elevation terrain.  Wet Loose avalanches will be possible on steep South slopes at all elevations.  During these winter months slope angle plays a critical role in how much heat (and thus melting) a slope receives.  The sun is still low on the horizon and steep slopes face the sun more directly.

    As is always the case with Wet loose avalanches use timing to find safe, soft skiing.   On Saturday most South slopes likely melted just enough to provide nice skiing.

Avalanche Discussion

A sturdy rain crust exists throughout most of our ski terrain.  The good news is that it is very supportable.  Sunny slopes skied nicely on Saturday.  Our only potential instabilities relate to daytime melting:  Wet Loose avalanches and perhaps an isolated Cornice Collapse.

Regions covered