Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be possible on a variety of aspects near treeline and above treeline. Most avalanches will be small, but remember small avalanches can lead to higher consequences in sustained steep terrain and above terrain traps such as cliffs, rocks, and trees. If you have uncertainty about the stability of the snowpack, avoid slopes that have accumulated wind blown snow by sticking to sheltered areas or choose lower angle terrain less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The new snow was heavily wind affected on Thursday. Southeast and east facing slopes were crossloaded in many areas and isolated pockets of pillowy wind slabs were observed on south, east, and northeast facing slopes near treeline and above treeline. A COAC observer reported triggering a D 1.5 wind slab on a NE facing slope (see picture and caption). In other areas wind slabs were non reactive. I have said it many times, but one of the tricky things with wind slabs is the variability to triggering. On some slopes they are locked down and on others they can be triggered easily. The key on Friday will be to look for those pieces of terrain that have accumulated more blowing snow.  Most wind slab avalanches will be hard to trigger and small. The larger wind slabs will be very isolated. Use your evaluation skills to check on depth and reactivity of wind slabs before committing to start zones in steep and consequential terrain. The melt freeze crust formed during the sunny period last week will serve as a good reference point to monitor the depth of wind slabs. The wind has been variable and coming from different directions in different areas. I also noticed a substantial topographic affect to the wind direction on Thursday. I am keeping wind slabs on all aspects as a reflection of this.

    (3/6/2025)

    Photo: Jonas Tarlen

    A COAC observer reported a skier triggered wind slab at Tam McArthur rim on Thursday. NE aspect at 7500'. Crown was 12 - 18". Reported size D1.5. This was triggered in a pillow of wind drifted snow and ran easily on the old snow surface.

     

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