Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet Loose avalanches will be likely on Wednesday on sunny slopes and as the day heats up.  Natural avalanches in the steepest terrain are a great early warning sign that the snow is becoming unstable.  Similarly, if you are finding yourself sinking deeply into wet or slushy snow, it is time to move to shadier slopes or less steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Tuesday I observed debris from Wet Loose avalanches on sunny slopes in Broken Top Bowl.  Some of these debris piles were from D1.5 avalanches.  Tuesday was sunny and warm, but strong winds from the southwest likely kept the snow surface cooler than it might have been and inhibited melting and instability.  Wednesday is forecast to be even warmer.  I expect we will see more Wet Loose avalanches.

    As we enter this diurnal cycle of melt and freeze, time your riding to find soft corn snow riding that isn't so slushy that you could trigger Wet Loose avalanches.  Generally we think of this as a matter of degree; some melting snow makes for good riding, but if you are sinking into deep slushy snow or seeing natural avalanches on steep slopes, then it is time to move to other aspects or less steep slopes.

    If some slopes don't refreeze overnight, Wet Loose avalanches will be more likely.

    (3/17/2026)

    D1 Wet Loose Avalanche in Broken Top Bowl

    southwest approx. 8000 ft.

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

  • Cornices

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

    Sun, warm temperatures, and overnight low temperatures above freezing will weaken cornices.  There are some big cornices out there right now.  Avoid exposure to cornices, either from above or below.  Cornice collapses can trigger other avalanches on the slopes beneath.

Regions covered