Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanche hazard will increase Tuesday evening proportional to the amount of new snow that we receive.  New snow late in the day, accompanied by Moderate West winds, will create shallow Wind Slab avalanches on East slopes at treeline and in the alpine.  The Moderate Danger rating for treeline and alpine elevations reflects the anticipated hazard for late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The danger associated with Wind Slab avalanches will depend upon how much new snow has fallen.  Earlier in the day with only an inch or less of new snow, the danger from Wind Slab avalanches will be negligible.  However, by late afternoon if we are seeing 3-5 inches of snow, then Wind Slabs will be a foot or more deep which is large enough to start avoiding.  Simple observations like: pole probing, depth of ski penetration, and observing snow surfaces as you travel from West to East aspects can give you great clues to how much new snow we've received and the extent of wind loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We have been having trouble pinning down our Peristent Slab problem.  It is true that avalanches on the Dec. 8th buried surface hoar are unlikely.  We do continue to find the "grey line" about 40-60 cm. down and test results are occasionally the sudden collapses that are associated with avalanches.  This means that it is worth evaluating this layer before riding steep sheltered terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

We haven't had any new snow for over a week, and our height of snow continues to hover around 150 cm.  The layer of buried surface continues to be found down 40-60 cm. but is only reactive in isolated tests.  New snow with Moderate West winds is in the forecast for Tuesday afternoon and night.

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