Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be likely primarily on northerly, east, and south facing slopes near and above treeline. Some avalanches may be large. Watch for signs of unstable snow such as cracking and recent avalanches. When in doubt about the snow stability, stick to wind sheltered areas or stay on slopes less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This is a return to our typical winter type of avalanche conditions. Signifcant snowfall overnight combined with moderate westerly winds will build wind slabs on lee slopes. Isolated terrain features may accumilate enough wind blown snow to produce large avalanches. Wind slabs are most sensitive to triggering during the storm and just after the storm. Use careful evaluation to determine which slopes have become wind loaded and monitor the depth of wind deposited snow. As wind slabs become deeper, avalanches can become larger. Wind slabs typically form below ridge tops, high points, and other features that catch wind transported snow. You can also find 'cross loaded' slopes where wind wraps around features. Signs of unstable snow such as recent avalanches and cracking in the surface slab are good indicators that you can trigger an avalanche. 

    Areas with sparse or dead trees can be subject to wind blowing snow. Watch for signs of wind slabs forming in these areas that you would typically think of as 'below treeline'. 

    Archive photo:

    Cracking in fresh wind slab. This is a classic example of unstable snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Low elevation areas around Santiam Pass will have an overnight low temperature above freezing along with some rain. Wet loose avalanches will be possible at the lowest elevations in the forecast zone. Monitor the snow surface and if the snow is wet and slushy to ankle deep or more recongize that wet snow avalanches can happen. These will be most consequential on steep slopes and above terrain traps such as constrictions, rocks, and cliffs.

Fragile cornices may develop at ridge tops above lee slopes. Be catious when approaching ridge tops especially in low visibility conditions. Avoid stepping out onto a cornice and breaking through. 

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