Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wet snow avalanches will be possible at the lowest elevations in the forecast zone. Be cautious on low elevations slopes where the snow is wet and slushy to boot top depth or more. When this happens move to low angle terrain or to slopes where the snow surface is firmer. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The bulk of this problem will be associated with the lower elevations like around Santiam Pass. A lack of freezing temperatures for the second night in a row combined with daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 40's will increase the potential for wet loose avalanches. Most wet loose avalanches will be small, but the potential for large (D2) avalanches exists in steep and isolated terrain features. Watch for rollerballs and pinwheels as precursors to wet loose avalanches. Be especially cautious in sustained steep terrain and above traps such as cliffs, rocks, and constricted gully features.

    Elevations of 6000' and above will have less likelihood of wet loose avalanches. 

Avalanche Discussion

We may see some snowfall in the afternoon and a bigger pulse of precipitation coming in Friday evening. Watch for small, shallow, and isolated pockets of wind slabs forming; especially if we get more than an inch or two of snow accumulation. 

Continue to be cautious of cornices when approaching ridge tops. Many cornices have broken off during the recent warm spell, but there are still some large ones out there in the mid and upper elevations. Avoid walking out onto a cornice and breaking through. 

Regions covered