Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches will be possible on Sunday. New snow and light winds will create heightened avalanche activity on wind loaded aspects below ridge tops.  Look for signs of wind loading such as smooth surfaces, firmer wind affected snow, and cracking. Use careful snowpack evaluation and cautious routefinding.  Ease into the terrain, and if uncertain, travel on slopes below 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today I observed natural wind slab avalanches (size D2 which could bury, injure, or kill a person) on north and northeast facing terrain near treeline at Tam McArthur Rim.  However, I was not able to trigger any indicator slopes nor did I find any cracking in the terrain. With new snow in the forecast and recent snow available for transport, wind slabs near and above treeline will still be a concern for Sunday. Wind blown snow can be 3-5x deeper than the total amount forecasted. 

    (12/10/2022)

    Natural D2 wind slab avalanche near treeline. 

    Photo: E.Reed

Avalanche Discussion

Today I did not find any reactive storm slabs. However, for tomorrow I would continue to use caution in unsupported terrain. 

The recently buried surface hoar from earlier in the week appeared non-reactive in snowpit tests and indicator slopes. This layer is now buried about 40-50cm deep. Consider digging into the snowpack before committing to avalanche terrain. Pit tests such as the Column test and Extended Column test are good tools for assessing weak layers such as surface hoar.

Cornices were also observed to be growing during the day at ridgeline. If traveling near cornices, give a wide distance as they tend to break back farther than expected. 

Regions covered