Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Wind Slab avalanches will continue to be possible on East and NorthEast slopes near treeline and in the alpine.  Avalanche size and danger will correspond directly with how much new snow we receive.  If you are traveling on these specific slopes, assess the potential Wind Slab problem on slopes less than 30 degrees or smaller test slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Tuesday we received a bit less new snow than was in the forecast.  I observed 5-7 cm. of new snow during my tour at 3 pm.  Lee slopes at treeline were 20-25 cm. deep directly below ridgetops.  With continued snow showers in the forecast, I expect Wind Slabs will continue to grow overnight and during Wednesday.  On Wednesday, identify specific slopes of concern.  These would include steep, unsupported East and NorthEast slopes directly below ridgelines.  Pay particular attention to slopes with growing cornices, and particularly large fetches to draw snow from.

    A simple early indication of wind transported snow is a large variation in the depth of snow on opposing aspects (ie the snow is much deeper on East slopes below ridgelines).  Further evidence of reactive Wind Slabs includes cracking, and easy hand shears/shovel tilt test results on this wind deposited snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday offered springlike stormy weather with continuous snow showers and Moderate West winds at treeline.  The older wet snow is predominently supportable. Wednesday will offer similar conditions as we saw on Tuesday, hopefully with the addition of a few more inches of snow.  Potential Wind Slabs will grow with this new snow.

There is some significant avalanche debris out there from last weekend:  both refrozen Wet Loose debris on steeper slopes, and also some pretty large chunks of cornice.

Regions covered