Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in recently wind drifted snow will be possible near treeline and above treeline. You can minimize your exposure to these avalanches by sticking to wind scoured slopes or low angle terrain. Triggering wet snow avalanches will be possible below treeline; if you observe wet slushy snow down to boot top depth or more, consider staying on low angle terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This problem will be more prevalent in the high elevation terrain above treeline, but may also be found near treeline. Snow fall during the day on Thursday and overnight will contribute to new wind slabs forming on lee slopes and features. This problem could have a lot of variability associated with it. Some features may have very little wind loading, while other features will collect a lot more blowing snow. Take the time to do some evaluation before committing to avalanche terrain. A good strategy is to utilize small safe test slopes to monitor the depth of new wind slabs and check for reactivity. Recognize the classic signs of unstable snow such as cracking in the slab and recent avalanche activity. 

     

    Archive Photo

    Example of cracking in wind slab

  • Loose Wet

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

    The rain will back off in the morning, but the snow below treeline will continue to be saturated. There will be variability asscociated with this problem in the terrain with respect to elevation. Use your evaluation skills. If the snow is wet and slushy to boot top depth or more, recoginze that wet loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain. Pinwheels, rollerballs, and recent avalanches are also good indicators that wet loose avalanches can happen. 

     

Regions covered