Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on east and south slopes at alpine elevations on Friday.  Near treeline Wind Slabs will also be possible but more isolated in the terrain and avalanches will be relatively small.  Light wind and blowing snow near treeline on Thursday meant that the Wind Slab problem didn't really materialize there, but as the wind picks up on Friday it will start moving the available snow.  Evaluate the depth of wind blown snow immediately below ridgetops on slopes less than 30 degrees (or smaller slopes) before comitting to bigger, steeper slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    We didn't get more than a few inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.  The wind on Thursday was Light near treeline and I observed only Light blowing snow.  The wind was likely stronger and able to move more snow at higher elevations or in certain terrain; we tend to see stronger wind speeds through narrow passes or where the wind has to wrap around our symmetrical buttes.  There isn't much more snow in the pipeline for Friday, but the wind is forecast to increase to Moderate speeds from the west and northwest.  New Wind Slabs will be created.  I expect most Wind Slab avalanches to be small.

Regions covered