Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Despite low avalanche danger on Wednesday, small wet snow avalanches are possible later in the day on steep slopes that have received prolongued sun exposure. Although any potential slide would not be big enough to bury a rider, small avalanches can still have big consequence in the presence of terrain traps such as cliffs. Consider shadier terrain if you notice wet slushy snow penetrating above your boot top.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Tuesday, cloudy skies and moderate winds prevented any Wet Loose problem from developing, despite warm temps. Wednesday will be less windy, less cloudy, and a touch warmer, so we should see more softening of snow surfaces through the day. We are now in a prolongued melt-freeze cycle, so our snowpack has become very settled and any wet loose slide would likely be small. Keep in mind that even small avalanches can have big cosequence in steep terrain by knocking you off your feet and pulling you downslope. Steep slopes that are more tilted to the sun will have the greatest chances for wet loose avalanches, especially during the warmest times of the day.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices are notoriously unpredictable, and are weakened by sun and warm temperatures. Wednesday will be another day of sun and warm temperatures. Avoid being under or on top of cornices, especially during the warmest times of the day. 

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