Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

On Tuesday it will be possible to trigger a Wind Slab avalanche in wind drifted snow on north, east, and south slopes.  Most of these avalanches will be small, but avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider are possible.  Wind Slab avalanches most often form below ridgelines at upper elevations where the wind can freely move snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    I had difficulty assessing the Wind Slab problem on Monday due to Strong winds and very poor visibility.  I was able to see recent small Cornice Failure and debris from small Wind Slab avalanches on Tumalo bowl.  All of the ingredients were in place for Wind Slab formation: 10 cm of new snow, Moderate to Strong winds from the west, and Moderate blowing snow.  The Wind Slabs that were built today may remain unstable on Tuesday, and new snow with continued wind will build new ones.  Identify where Wind Slab avalanches are most likely or would be the most dangerous; steep, lee slopes, below ridgelines.  If you choose to travel on potentially wind loaded slopes, perform thorough snowpack evaluation on small test slopes, or wind loaded slopes less than 30 degrees steep.  Cracking, easy hand shears, and other evidence of hard over weak snow will be indicative of Wind Slab avalanches.

Regions covered