Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Minimal new snow coming into Thursday will result in avalanches again being unlikely for the day. If we do receive two or more inches overnight, it will be possible to encounter small avalanches in isolated pockets of deeper wind drifts in near and above treeline terrain on steep north and east facing slopes. Despite the low danger rating for the day, it is always prudent to carry avalanche rescue gear and utilize safe travel practices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Thursday's wind slab problem will be dependent on the amount of new snow that has fallen by morning. With new snow falling on a surface crust on slopes exposed to sun, utilizing this firm crust as a base for measurement will be an easy way to understand recent snow totals at varying elevation bands. Wind transport of snow can result in slopes with 3-5x the amount of snow that has fallen from the sky. If over 2 inches of snow fell from the sky, there could be isolated drifts capable of small avalanches.  Keep in mind that wind slabs will be more reactive to triggering if they lie over weak, faceted snow. North and northeast slopes are where dry, faceted snow has persisted through the high pressure spell of the last couple of weeks. These slopes deserve extra consideration and potential caution in your decision-making.

Avalanche Discussion

It is hard to say if this new snow will be enough to disguise the varied surface conditions or rock and log exposure that highlight our current snow conditions. Nonetheless, I will (perhaps unnecessarily) urge conservative riding with this dash of new snow. Low tide and varied conditions will undoubtedly persist through Thursday, and with some potentially smooth, fresh snow surfaces on slopes, there are still many hazards that exist just below that snow surface. 

Regions covered