Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slabs were found to be non reactive today, but still something to keep in mind for Saturday. Although unlikely, there could be some pockets of wind loaded snow out there in isolated, steep, and unsupported terrain that could release. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday, blowing snow was light and did not contribute a lot to building new wind slabs. Existing wind slabs are trending to being stubborn or non reactive. Keep an eye out for places where blowing snow is accumulating, especially in isolated steep pockets of terrain where triggering an avalanche above terrain traps could have increased consequences. 

    (12/2/2022)

    Classic appearance of wind slab. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

Avalanche Discussion

Storm snow had time to settle and adjust.  The elephant in the room is some patchy burried surface hoar. This is not a widespread weak layer. However, if you plan to  drop into any steep north or east facing terrain near or below treeline, consider a safe low angle place with similar aspect/elevation to dig into the snowpack. Look for any notable weak layers. If you have uncertaintly regarding the snowpack, consider lower angle options. The snow is good and great riding can be found in a variety of terrain.

Some shallow dry loose avalanches may be observed in steep terrain, but they will likely be small.

Keep an eye out for those early season hazards such as rocks and logs lurking just below the surface.

Regions covered