Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering avalanches in recently wind deposited snow will be possible near treeline and above treeline and on isolated slopes, avalanches will have the potential to be large. You can minimize your exposure to avalanches by avoiding previously wind loaded terrain. Steep, convex, and unsupported terrain features are the places where you are more likely to trigger an avalanche. Triggering wet snow avalanches will also be possible at low elevations and on slopes in the direct sun at all elevations. If you observe surface snow becoming wet, heavy, or slushy consider moving to more shaded slopes out of the direct sun. Keep an eye on the terrain around and below you; terrain traps such as rocks, cliffs, and trees can increase the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    There were reports of reactive wind slabs from some east facing slopes at mid and upper elevations on Wednesday. In some locations the wind slabs were non reactive. I did not observe much blowing snow on Wednesday and the winds are forecasted to be light over the next 24 hours; I do not expect much in the way of new wind slab development. However, existing wind slabs are still something to watch for. They will be trending toward less reactive but some slopes will need another day or two for existing wind slabs to stabalize. It is worth doing some evaluation in a safe spot before committing to steep and consequential slopes. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun this time of year is becoming more intense and can have a big impact on the snow surface. Because of this we could see wet loose avalanches on Thursday. I expect these to come into play more in the low elevation areas around Santiam Pass where the daytime high will be around 40 degrees F. The other place I envision seeing wet loose avalanches is on steep slopes in the direct sun even at higher elevations. Use your evaluation skills to recognize when this problem is coming on. Pinwheels and roller balls are good indicators that the surface snow is heating up. Visibly wet and slushy surface snow down to 6" or more is another indicator.  Most wet loose avalanches will be small, but they can run long distances on sustained steep slopes. 

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