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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches will continue to be possible on steep slopes that the wind has blown snow onto.  If you choose to travel on East or North facing slopes at higher elevations, stick to smaller or less steep slopes until you deem it safe to ride steeper slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Tuesday, observers found wind hardened snow on North and East slopes near treeline, but the slabs we found felt stubborn to triggering.  There is still a lot of snow available for transport, and wind speeds are forecast to increase on Tuesday night, accompanied by a shift to the South.  We are forecast to pick up small amounts of new snow above 7,000 ft.  These factors will lead to fresh loading on North and possibly East slopes.

    Any freezing rain that we receive near treeline would likely inhibit wind slab development.

Avalanche Discussion

Our snowpack is still pretty shallow, but it's getting there.  Today might have been the first day that I didn't hit a single rock, but it is impressive how many fallen trees litter our ski terrain.  I've been finding snow depths of around 45 cm. at 7,000 ft.  At higher elevations, on wind loaded slopes we've found as much as 120 cm. of snow.

Regions covered