Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be likely near treeline and above treeline. These avalanches are also possible below treeline where strong winds are able to move snow. On some slopes, avalanches may be large. Minimize your exposure to avalanches by sticking to areas that are sheltered from the wind or slopes that have been scoured to the old crust. Low angle terrain under 30 degrees is always a good option if you have uncertainty about the snow stability. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With strong winds, we may see wind slabs in unusual places, such as farther down slopes and around features that do not typically accumulate wind blown snow. With the minimal snow fall in the last 24 hours, most wind slabs will be small, but be on the lookout for isolated pockets of terrain that accumulate a lot more blowing snow. Wind can deposit snow many times deeper than the storm total. With poor visibility it may be tough to visually identify wind loaded slopes; give yourself a margin. Recent avalanches and cracking in the slab are good indicators of unstable snow.

    Below treeline keep an eye on areas that have been affected by the wind. Areas of dead or sparse trees can get enough blowing snow for wind slabs to form. With strong winds in the forecast this may come into play on Thursday. 

    The distribution diagram above is where I expect wind slabs to be, however it is your job to look for changing conditions and observe where wind slabs are present. 

    (3/11/2026)

    Wind slabs were much deeper compared to the storm snow accumulation on Wednesday. On the left is one of the deeper wind slabs I found on an east aspect near treeline. The picture on the right is from an area below treeline that was protected from the wind. The melt freeze crust under the new snow is a great reference point for measuring wind loading. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

Avalanche Discussion

Lower elevations in the forecast zone will likely get rain overnight and on Thursday. Wet loose avalanches will be possible in these areas. The low elevations do not have a lot of snow but wet snow avalanches are still something to keep in mind if you are travelling in these areas. Wet slushy snow, pinwheels, and rollerballs are signs to watch for to let you know these avalanches can happen.

Cornices will be building near and above treeline. New cornices are fragile and will break easily under the weight of a person. Be cautious when approaching ridges especially in poor visibility. Stepping out onto a cornice can lead to a fall down the slope below. 

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