Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be likely on Saturday near treeline, above treeline, and anywhere the wind is depositing snow drifts. Triggering avalanches will also be possible in the recently accumulated storm snow on all aspects and elevations. Cracking in the surface snow and recent avalanches are indicators of unstable snow, but we don't always get those signs. When you have uncertainty in the snow stability, use terrain choice to your advantage and stick to low angle slopes to minimize your exposure to avalanches. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With more new snow coming in combined with moderate to strong winds out of the west, wind slabs will continue to build on lee terrain. The rate of snowfall will be less compared to the last few days, but the wind can still move a lot of snow. Lee features below ridges and highpoints will be places where triggering wind slab avalanches will be more likely. Also blowing snow moving across slopes can lead to the phenomenon of cross loading where wind slabs form across a slope or mountain face. Be cautious with your terrain choice and remember wind slabs are most sensitive to triggering when they are fresh. Avoid the big pillows of wind drifted snow in start zones.  Any time you see cracking in recent wind deposited snow or recent avalanches, recognize these as signs of unstable snow. 

    Use carefull evaluation in areas of sparse trees, clearings, and sections of dead forests. Open areas 'below treeline' can get enough blowing snow to create wind slabs.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow from the last few days has gone through some big swings in density. On Friday, new snow below treeline was observed to be very heavy and dense. There has been quite a lot of settlement in the new snow and this will help to alleviate some older storm snow instabilities. With more new snow coming in, let's keep storm slabs in mind. Use some carefull evaluation before committing to steep slopes especially with convex or unsupported features. Storm slab avalanches will be possible where the wind has not stripped away recent snow. Utilize small safe test slopes to look for cracking in storm snow or small avalanches. When in doubt, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche Discussion

Low elevation areas around Santiam Pass could get rain overnight and in the early morning hours. Wet snow avalanches will be possible if surface snow becomes wet and saturated. Watch for pinwheels and rollerballs as signs indicating wet snow avalanches can happen. 

Be cautious of cornices on wind exposed ridgetops. Avoid walking out on them or lingering underneath them. 

A small skier triggered avalanche was reported from Tumalo on Friday on the COAC observations page. The location was reported as around the north ridge/north face. Crown depth was 30 - 50 cm (12 - 20") Type was not reported.

Regions covered