Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Although we are observing a decrease in avalanche activity, the new snow will need more time to settle.  Avalanches remain possible below treeline and likely at higher elevations.  Avalanches could be large enough to bury or injure a rider throughout the terrain.  Continue to use conservative decision-making and avoid steep, unsupported slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    High hazard prevented extensive observations from upper elevations, but today at Tam Rim (North, near treeline) I observed several previous D2 Wind Slab avalanches beneath ridgetops.  There were observations of large crowns on Broken Top and South Sister.  Wind Slabs associated with last weekend's storm may be becoming more stubborn, but they could still be very large (particularly when associated with large triggers like Cornice Collapses or smaller Wind Slabs).  Wind Slabs often take a couple of days to stabilize.  Don't be fooled by shallow new Wind Slabs or the lack thereof, large Wind Slabs may be lurking beneath.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Today I observed many crowns from previous Storm Slab avalanches.   Although I could find instabilities in the upper snowpack, I didn't find reactive snow on the test slopes I observed.  I saw lots of settlement cones and remaining Storm Slabs are likely stubborn.  It is worth remembering that we received around 4 feet of snow during the last storm, and triggering a large avalanche is not out of the question.  I'll continue to avoid those steep, unsupported slopes that haven't avalanched.

    (3/17/2025)

    Settlement Cone at Tam Rim.  Settlement cones can be an indication that new snow is settling and danger from Storm Slab avalanches is receding.  I'm going to continue to make conservative terrain choices for another day at least.

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

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