Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Large wet loose avalanches will be possible on Sunday. Be vigilant of wet/slushy snow, pin wheels and recent avalanches. Steer clear of large cornices as they are still present and weak due to rain and warm temperatures. If you see any signs of instabilities, limit your exposure and stick to lower angle slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Small wet loose avalanches were observed on Saturday in the alpine on several aspects. We received about 5” of new heavy/dense snow Friday night at about 7,000ft and higher. Wet loose avalanches will continue to be possible, especially in this new snow at higher elevations. Most avalanches will be small; however, larger avalanches will be possible on large, sustained, steep slopes.

    Wet Loose avalanches occur when the snow surface loses cohesion due to warm temperature and/or rain. This avalanche type often starts at a riders feet and entrains snow as the avalanche descends. Use caution especially around terrain traps such as gulleys, cliffs, trees and creeks.

    Look for clues such as wet/slushy snow especially if you are sinking up to your boot tops. Also be on the lookout for roller balls and recent wet loose avalanches. If you see these signs avoid steep slopes.

    Wet slabs could also be possible as well.

  • Cornices

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

    On Saturday I observed some larger cornices at ridgelines on Broken Top and some smaller new cornices that recently developed. With more rain in the forecast and warm temperatures, continue to give cornices a wide distance. Cornices tend to break back further than expected.

Avalanche Discussion

On Saturday I toured on Ball Butte and Broken Top. I was surprised to find around 5” of new snow that was dense and heavy. There were also many small wet loose avalanches (D1) on several aspects. On steep indicator slopes I could easily trigger wet loose avalanches. While touring it rained, sleeted, and even some graupel fell. Sunday looks like a similar stormy spring day.

I also found a few small wind slabs on north facing slopes in the alpine. These were triggered naturally sometime Friday night/early Saturday morning. If you venture to the highest peaks (above 9,000ft), you could find some reactive wind slabs. Use caution in wind drifted snow, and be on the lookout for cracking, collapses and recent slab avalanches. 

 

Regions covered