Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Today's stormy weather will continue overnight and on Thursday.  As more snow falls the risk of avalanches increases.  The most dangerous slopes will be those that the wind has blown new snow onto as these avalanches have the potential to be large.  Primarily these will be slopes that face north and east and are near treeline and above.  Below treeline Storm Slab avalanches will be possible in steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind Slab avalanches will be likely on north and east facing slopes that the wind has blown snow onto.  Wind Slab avalanches could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  During these stormy periods, few people venture into alpine elevations, but many choose to ride open avalanche terrain that is near treeline, and affected by the wind.  Conservative decision making is essential if you choose to travel in avalanche terrain that is potentially wind-loaded.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slab avalanches were observed on Wednesday.  As more snow piles up the size and danger of these avalanches also increases.  Small, steep test slopes are the best way to evaluate the Storm Slab problem, and hand shears can also provide you with useful information about the surface snow.  By the end of the day Storm Slab avalanches could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  Pay attention to your surroundings as trees, cliffs, and gullies increase the consequences of even a small avalanche.

    (2/14/2024)

    Shallow Storm Slab avalanche at Tam Rim, NE 7,200 ft.

    Photo: Elliott Reed

Avalanche Discussion

Although the snow started in later than forecast this morning, we received steady snowfall all day.  Storm totals are currently 20-25 cm.  The majority of instabilities will exist within the new storm snow, but it is also worth investigating the bonding to older snow layers as there is a variety of old snow surfaces that this latest snow has fallen on.

Regions covered