Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in recently wind drifted snow will be possible near treeline and above treeline. Triggering wet snow avalanches are possible at all elevations, especially on slopes in the direct sun during the warmest time of the day. Avalanches have the potential to be large. Minimize your exposure to all avalanches by sticking to lower angle terrain less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind has backed off, the snow has stopped falling, and the wind slab problem will be trending to becoming more stubborn to trigger. However, let's give this problem a little more time before we write it off. There were several reports of small skier triggered slabs on Thursday on aspects ranging from SE to E and NE. 

    Below ridges and  high points are common places where wind slabs form. Be on the lookout for crossloaded slopes, where wind blown snow has moved across a slope and filled in gully features and depressions. Utilize low angle terrain or small test slopes to check depth and reactivity of wind slabs before you commit to big steep slopes . If you see cracking in the slab or recent avalanches, these are good indicators of unstable snow.

    (4/16/2026) - Public Observer

    Skier triggered wind slab on Thursday. This was at Ball Butte on a SE aspect. The crown was approximately 30 cm (12"). Size D1

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Friday, the air temperature will bump up and the sun will be out. During this time of the season, the sun has a strong effect on the snow. There is an abundance of recent snow on the surface that can heat up and lose cohesion. There will be timing involved with this problem. As the day heats up and slopes are exposed to the sun's energy, wet snow avalanches have the potential to come into play.  This problem will be more prominent  on steep slopes in the direct sun. Keep an eye on changing surface condtions. As the surface snow begins to feel wet or mucky, if you see rollerballs or pinwheels, or if you see recent wet snow avalanches, recognize these as signs this problem is in play. When you see these signs, consider moving to more shaded slopes or lower angle terrain.

    Wet slab avalanches are also possible, share the same distribution and can also be large. 

    Archive Photo:  Ryan Marvin

    Roller balls on a steep slope with sun exposure. 

Avalanche Discussion

For people venturing out into the high country, keep cornices in mind. Recently formed cornices will be fragile and easily broken. Avoid stepping out onto a cornice. They can break under the weight of a person and can lead to a fall onto the slope below. Be cautious when approaching ridge tops, especially if you don't have a good vantage to see if a cornice is present or not.

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