Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in new wind drifted snow, near treeline and above treeline, will be likely. On some terrain features avalanches can be large. Triggering avalanches in the new storm snow will be possible on slopes that have not been scoured by the wind. Minimize your exposure to avalanches by sticking to sheltered slopes that do not accumulate wind blown snow, and by staying off steep, convex, and unsupported slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The rate of snowfall is expected to pick up overnight along with stout winds out of the southwest. Lee terrain features will accumulate wind blown snow and give rise to the latest round of the wind slab problem. Places like under ridgetops and high points are the classic features where wind slabs form. Also watch for gullys and other pieces of terrain that accumulate snow as it moves across a mountainside. Monitor the depth of new wind slabs if you have a safe place to do so. Deeper slabs can generally produce larger avalanches. Signs of unstable snow such as shooting cracks or previous avalanches are indicators that you can trigger an avalanche. Remember, you can always avoid wind loaded slopes if you have uncertainty about the stability.

    With sustained wind speeds in the 20's mph, we may see wind slabs develop in clearings and areas of sparse trees at the lower elevations. Always watch for blowing snow and visual clues that indicate blown snow has accumulated. 

    Archive Photo: Aaron Hartz

    Cracking in wind slab. This is an indicator of unstable snow.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    If we get the middle to upper end of the snow forecast we will have potential for storm slab avalanches on Friday. If we get the low end, this won't be much of a problem. Most storm slab avalanches will be small but even small avalanches can move long distances and pack a punch especially in sustained steep terrain. Utilize small test slopes to check for reactivity in the storm slab before moving into steep and committing terrain. Be cautious around and above terrain traps such as rocks, cliffs, trees, and constricted gullies.....these features can increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche. 

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