Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in recently wind deposited snow will be possible on Saturday, primarily near treeline and above treeline. On isolated slopes, avalanches will have the potential to be large. You can minimize your exposure to avalanches by avoiding wind loaded terrain; stick to windward or sheltered slopes. Steep, convex, and unsupported terrain features are the places where you are more likely to trigger an avalanche. Keep an eye on the terrain around and below you; terrain traps such as rocks, cliffs, and trees can increase the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday I did not encounter any reactive wind slabs. However, I did find up to 45 cm (18") thick wind slabs on top of the old snow surface. I also observed quite a lot of blowing snow on Friday and wind slabs will continue to build. Based on the amount of blowing snow I observed and depth of recently formed slabs, I declare that we give this problem another day and keep it in mind when venturing into the mid and upper elevations on Saturday.

    Places like under ridgetops and high points are the classic features where wind slabs form. Also watch for gullys and other pieces of terrain that accumulate snow as it moves across a mountainside. Monitor the depth of recently formed wind slabs if you have a safe place to do so. Deeper slabs can generally produce larger avalanches. Signs of unstable snow such as shooting cracks or previous avalanches are indicators that you can trigger an avalanche. Remember, you can always avoid wind loaded slopes if you have uncertainty about the stability.

Avalanche Discussion

The new snow over the last 24 hours was minimal. The storm slab problem never materialized. Stay sharp and be aware that pockets of unstable snow can always exist in isolated terrain. I do not expect many natural cornice breaks on Saturday, but continue to use caution when approaching ridge tops and avoid walking out onto a cornice. Stepping out onto a cornice can cause it to break resulting in a fall onto the slope below.

Regions covered