Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be possible at the high elevations above 8500' elevation. Early season avalanches can have increased consequences due to the abundance of exposed rocks. Low visibility will make it difficult to identify areas with wind drifted snow; the safe bet is to stick to wind scoured or low angle slope optioins. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This problem will be limited to the upper elevations above the rain/snow line. Above 8500' the mountains could recieve 10" of snow or more.  I do not expect many people will go into the high alpine terrain on Friday, but if you do feel the need to ascend through the rain and into whiteout contiditons be aware that wind slabs will be building on lee slopes and features. Wind slabs will build throughout the day and resulting avalanches could become large by the afternoon. Remember that cracking in the wind slab or signs of recent avalanches are good indicators of unstable snow. 

    Cornices will also be building in the high elevation terrain. Fresh cornices are fragile and break easily.. These can be especially tricky to manage in low visibility situations.

Avalanche Discussion

The mid and low elevation terrain will be pretty wet on Friday. I am not adding wet snow avalanche problems because of the minimal snow cover at these elevations. However, remember that wet slushy snow can move downhill on steep slopes.

Regions covered