Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Many avalanches were observed throughout the Cascades on Sunday.  The Storm Slab avalanches that we saw on Sunday should begin to stabilize by Monday, but triggering an avalanche below treeline will remain possible.  On slopes near treeline and at alpine elevations, Wind Slab avalanches will remain likely and could be large on any slope that the wind has blown snow onto.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    On Sunday Wind Slab avalanches were observed throughout the region (all D1).

    On Monday, Wind Slab avalanches will be most likely on North and East slopes, since our predominant wind directions are from the West and South.  I did observe some "reverse" wind loading today, with wind blowing snow off of a Northeast slope.  This means that depending on how the terrain channels the wind, Wind Slabs could be possible on any aspect.  Be conservative on any potentially wind loaded slope.  Don't be fooled by shallow Wind Slabs that are created on Sunday night; larger Wind Slabs from the weekend could still be lurking beneath.

    If you choose to tour at higher elevations or areas that experience wind, choose terrain conservatively.  Use low angle slopes to determine how the latest snow has been distributed throughout the terrain.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    On Sunday I chose to avoid more dangerous slopes near treeline and in the alpine.  I still observed slab avalanches.  Test slopes below treeline were reactive, and we were able to trigger a shallow slab on one 34 degree slope with a belayed ski cut.

    These Storm Slabs are likely beginning to stabilize.  Due to the shear volume of snow that we've received and the currently cold temperatures, I don't feel comfortable taking this avalanche problem off the list.  On steep, unsupported slopes below treeline, it will still be possible to trigger an avalanche.  Your best tool for understanding the snowpack below treeline, is short, steep test slopes, where you can try to "trigger" a small avalanche.

    (12/29/2024)

    Reactive test slope 6800 ft. North

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

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