Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches will be possible in areas where wind blowing snow has collected, primarily on northerly and easterly facing terrain near and above treeline. Ease into steep terrain, evaluate slopes for windloading; if you see signs of unstable snow such as cracking or previous avalanches or if you have uncertainty in the snowpack, consider moving to lower angle options below 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As the sky cleared on Saturday, I observed pillowy drifts of wind deposited snow on southeast and east facing slopes near and above treeline. Some of the wind slabs were in steep and convex terrain I chose not to travel on. With another day since the wind slabs developed, they will be trending toward being more stubborn and less likely to trigger on Sunday, however some steep isolated pockets could still go. As a few inches of new snow comes in overnight and into Sunday, new small wind slabs will develop on lee terrain features. 

    Look for places where old wind slabs may be lurking and places were new wind blown snow is accumulating. Wind slabs can be found below ridges, peaks, and around any features that catch blowing snow. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and be cautious on wind loaded slopes in steep terrain and especially above terrain traps such as trees, rocks, cliffs, and other features that can increase the consequence of triggering an avalanche. 

    On Saturday there was one report of a natural triggered wind slab above treeline on an east aspect; size not reported.

Avalanche Discussion

Wet loose avalanches on all aspects will be specific to the lowest elevations in the forecast zone such as around Santiam Pass. The snow level will rise up to around 5600 ft by the afternoon bringing rain to lower elevations. As rain falls, monitor how wet the surface snow is becoming. Look for roller balls and pinwheels as precursors to wet loose avalanches. As the surface snow becomes wet and slushy down 6" or more, be cautious on steep terrain especially above terrain traps. Although not widespread in the below treeline zone, danger will rise in areas experiencing rain on snow.

Continue to watch for cornices at ridge tops. Be cautious when approaching ridge tops where cornices have formed over lee slopes. Recently formed cornices can be fragile, break easily, and falling cornice debris can trigger slides on the slope below. Stepping out onto a cornice could result in a break, leading to a fall onto the slope below along with large chunks of snow.

Regions covered