Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a slab avalanche in wind deposited snow will be likely on Wednesday near and above treeline on north through east and south facing slopes and could result in a large avalanche. Triggering a small loose snow avalanche will be possible in steep terrain that has not been heavily affected by the wind. Anytime you have uncertainty in the stability of the snow you can increase your safety margin by avoiding wind loaded slopes or by choosing low angle slopes less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Westerly winds will continue to load lee slopes below ridge tops, peaks, and around features that catch blowing snow from cross slope winds. The cold and light snow will be easily moved by the wind. 

    Wind slab avalanches tend to be most sensitive to triggering during and just after the storm. The wind slab problem will build Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday. Monitor the depth of wind transported snow. As wind deposits become deeper, wind slab avalanches can become larger. Use low angle lee slopes to monitor wind slabs before committing to steep slopes. If you observe cracking in the wind slabs, previous avalanches, or other signs of unstable snow, consider sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees steep.

    On Tuesday, several skier triggered wind slabs (very small, D1, NE aspect) were reported from below treeline in areas where there was enough open ground to allow for wind transport (see picture). Continue to watch for those isolated spots below treeline where enough blowing snow can form a slab.

    (2/21/2023)

    Very small (D1) skier triggered wind slab. NE aspect below treeline in an area with a clearing above that allowed for wind transport.

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Loose Dry

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

    With cold overnight temperatures and a daytime high in the teens, the new snow will be coming in light and cold and will lack cohesion. Loose dry avalanches will be possible in steep terrain where the snow has not been redistributed by the wind. Although most loose dry avalanches will be small, they can entrain snow and run far especially in constricted features such as steep gullies. Be aware of what is below you and be cautious in steep terrain and above terrain traps such as cliffs or features that can accumulate avalanche debris. 

Regions covered