Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Spring conditions will continue into Saturday. The main problem to watch for are wet loose avalanches. Wet loose avalanches will be small, but be cautious in steep and exposed terrain where moving wet snow could cause you to loose your stance.

Be aware of lingering cornices as you approach ridge tops espeically if you don't have a good vantage point to check out if a cornice is hanging off the ridge.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches are all about timing. Monitor the snow surface. As the surface becomes slushy, or if you see rollerballs, these are good indicators that wet loose avalanches can happen. Step out of your skis or board to check how much your boots are sinking into wet snow. If you are sinking into 6-8" or more in wet snow, start thinking loose wet avalanches are possible. These will be more of a concern in steep terrain that has some exposure to cliffs or falling hazard. 

    Use timing and choose aspects to not only give you the best skiing, but also to avoid steep and consequential slopes in the direct sun when the snow surface is becoming wet and slushy.

Avalanche Discussion

Spring is a special time in Cental Oregon. Long days and long runs off the high peaks. As you move through the terrain, keep monitoring the snow surface. If you are jumping into the steep lines, monitor the potential for loose wet avalanches. They will be small, but could knock you off your stance in steep terrain.

Weather summary:  The Friday night low temperature will dip into the upper 20's to low 30's F. Wind is expected to be light overnight out of the southwest with some moderate gusts. Saturday will be another nice spring day with clouds increasing as we move into the afternoon. Daytime high temperatures will be in the mid 40's F, with light southwest winds expected. 

Regions covered