Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Large avalanches will be possible where we have a slab of recent snow sitting above old, weak faceted snow. This avalanche problem largely exists on steep northern aspects. Make conservative travel choices and give yourself a wide margin. If in doubt, avoid slopes 30 degrees and steeper. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Our forecast team has been finding some weak snow (facets) buried 8”-12” deep and possibly deeper where the wind has drifted snow. These layers propagated during extended column tests, indicating we need to give this layer some time to heal. As long as we have snow available for transport and more snow in the forecast, the slabs sitting above this weak layer will continue to grow. 

    Over the past two days, forecasters have been finding this layer near the summit of Paulina and at lower elevations on sheltered open slopes. Where persistent slabs exist, it is best to give a wide buffer, as this avalanche type can fracture farther and wider than expected. You can look for clues such as cracking or whumpfing, but this avalanche type can be unpredictable and does not always give you feedback. If you have any uncertainty, avoid being anywhere an avalanche can start, run and stop. 

Avalanche Discussion

While traveling in the Newberry Monument area on Satruday, I found about 1” of new snow near the lake and 2” of new snow near the summit. Winds were light to moderate from the south, and the upper mountain was in the clouds. I observed light wind loading at ridgelines, and it started lightly snowing around noon. In addition to the faceted layer, there is also some surface hoar near lower elevations. We will continue to track this layer. The surface hoar is not a problem now but might be an issue if it persists and gets buried deeper.

Regions covered