Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow will be possible on Thursday.  The possibility of triggering an avalanche will be primarily on north, east, and south facing slopes near treeline and above treeline. When in doubt avoid wind loaded features or move to lower angle terrain under 30 degrees steep.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As the snow falls, the west wind will be moving snow to lee slopes and features. I have some uncertainty in how much snow will fall. Monitor the depth of wind slabs. This will be an important evaluation. I expect most wind slab avalanches to be small, but if wind drifts become 8-10" or deeper in avalanche terrain, wind slab avalanches will increase in size. 

     Keep an eye on anomalous features that collect blowing snow such as clearings and large areas of dead trees where wind slabs can form.

    Watch for signs of unstable snow such as cracking in wind drifted snow and previous avalanches as this is a good indicator that triggering avalanches can happen.

    ARCHIVE PHOTO

    Cracking in wind slab

Avalanche Discussion

If new snow reaches that 8-10" depth, storm slab avalanches could become a reality on all aspects and elevations where fresh snow has stacked up. With temperatures dropping, we could see some small dry loose avalanches in steep terrain. 

Keep an eye on the terrain and evaluate avalanche runout zones especially with the early season conditions. There are many exposed rocks, logs, and trees that can increase the consequence of being caught in an avalanche. 

Regions covered