Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering a slab avalanche in wind drifted snow will be possible on Saturday on northerly and easterly slopes near and above treeline. Triggering an avalanche will mostly result in a small slide, however be aware of what is below you and keep an eye on terrain traps and/or steep slopes that can increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday a few inches of new snow fell on the ground and blowing snow was observed near treeline. Some of the snow was blasting into the sky and some of it was accumulating on lee terrain features. With a few inches of new snow possible by Saturday afternoon along with sustained winds out of the south, southwest, and west, wind slabs will continue to build throughout the day.

    I don't expect large avalanches to occur on Saturday, but it is wise to monitor the depth of wind deposited snow and remember as wind slabs become deeper, resulting avalanches can increase in size.

    When visibility is poor near and above treeline, use your skills and tools to understand which slopes are steep enough to produce avalanches; generally slopes 30 degrees or steeper. 

    Wind slabs form in specific terrain and will not be found everwhere. Recognize lee slopes and where wind blown snow is accumulating.  Wind slabs typically form below ridge tops and high points, and around features that catch blowing snow from cross slope winds. 

    Shooting cracks in wind drifted snow and signs of previous avalanches are good indicators that triggering a wind slab avalanche is possible.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche activity on Saturday will be related to wind blown snow. 

With poor visibility expected near and above treeline, keep cornices in mind when approaching ridge tops. Stepping out onto even a small cornice can lead to an unexpected air drop. 

Regions covered