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 will be possible on north and east facing slopes in previously wind drifted snow and in recent storm snow. Most avalanches will be small, but large avalanches can happen on isolated terrain features with deeper wind deposits. Be cautious on steep slopes and above terrain trap where triggering even a small avalanche can have consequences. Monitor the depth of snow above the crust, as slabs become deeper, avalanches can become larger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On some north and east facing slopes, previously formed wind slabs may be sitting on faceted snow and/or buried surface hoar above the crust and will still be possible to trigger. Small test slopes are a great way to check out this problem. Look for slabs releasing and or cracking on test slopes as a good indicator that wind slabs can be triggered in bigger terrain. Most wind slab avalanches will be small, but isolated pockets of terrain may harbor thicker slabs that can result in large avalanches.

    The usual suspect terrain is below ridgetops, hight points and around other features that collect blowing snow. 

    With an inch or two of new snow coming in overnight and Friday along with light winds, I don't expect new wind slabs to build enough to add to the problem. 

    (2/8/2024)

    Skier triggered wind slab on a north facing slope. The avalanche was small (D1) with a crown of about 8". The elevation was right on the cusp of getting into 'near treeline'. The trees were sparse enough allow for wind loading. This wind slab was probably formed several days ago. The slab failed on faceted snow just above the crust. It was stubborn to trigger. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Storm slab avalanches will be small and barely enough to be a problem. They are still something to keep in mind especially in steep terrain and above terrain traps. On north and east facing slopes, recent snow may be sitting on weak faceted snow and/or buried surface hoar. Small test slopes are a great way to check out this problem. Look for slabs releasing and or cracking on test slopes as a good indicator that storm slabs can be triggered in bigger terrain. 

    (2/8/2024)

    Skier triggered storm slab on a east facing slope below treeline. This was small (D1) and stubborn. It didn't want to go and I had to work to make it release. I used a small steep convex slope to test out the storm slab problem. There was no propagation out from the sides and the slab only released under my skis. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

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