Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

This is the storm we have all been waiting for. It is here. Along with the incoming powder, we will also see a rise in avalanche danger. This is the time to be cautious, especially around terrain where wind blown snow is accumulating. On Friday, there were reports of easily triggered wind slabs by skiers near treeline. Expect the same for Saturday, but the size of avalanches will increase as more snow accumulates and the wind picks up. Carefeful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are recommended. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Westerly wind will be picking up and moving snow onto lee terrain. Large wind slabs will form and will be likely to trigger in the right terrain. Be cautious around wind loaded slopes. 

    Wind slabs often form below ridge tops, high points, and around featurs that catch blowing snow. Look for visual signs such as pillows of wind difted snow, and a wavy or uneven surface texture to indicate a surface may be wind loaded. Recently formed cornices can also be clues that wind slabs are present.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The snow is stacking up. As the new snow accumulates, storms slabs will have the potential to become large. Evaluate new snow depth and watch for signs of unstable snow such as cracking in the storm slab.  Be cautious on steep, rolling, and unsupported terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

New snow on Thursday fell on a light melt freeze crust. The new snow is showing sign of bonding well to the older snow surface. Below the new storm snow, our snowpack is generally showing good structure. Any avalanche activity will likely be associated with the incoming snow and wind transported snow.

On Friday, skier triggered wind slab avalanches were reported from Tumalo and Tam Rim areas. The reported avalanches were small (size D1) and on north and east facing slopes near treeline.

Remember, you can't choose the weather and the snowpack but you can always choose the terrain. Anytime you have doubt about the snow stability, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees and enjoy the ride.

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