Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Saturday will be a day of transition from the cooler, more wintry weather of this week.  Temperatures will climb into the 50's F at some elevations and the upper 40's F near treeline.  Often we see increased avalanche activity as previously dry snow melts during the warm daytime.  Be careful of steep sunny slopes, as well as older pockets of wind drifted snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm temperatures and heat from the sun will melt the snow surface and lead to Wet avalanches.  While temperatures climbed above freezing on Friday, and we saw a lot of sun, Saturday will be the first really warm day after last week's storm.  The majority of wet instabilities will be Wet Loose avalanches.  These avalanches first occur on very steep slopes and beneath rocks and cliff bands that absorb heat.  If you are seeing lots of rollerballs, or traveling through slushy snow, it is probably time to find cooler slopes.  Wet avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider are possible.  Wet Slab avalanches are much less likely, but I won't rule them out on those slopes that are transitioning from dry to wet snow.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind Slabs from last week's stormy weather should shortly be a thing of the past.  They are not quite there yet though.  Be wary on steep slopes (particularly at alpine elevations), where the snow has remained colder and these Wind Slabs may remain reactive.

Avalanche Discussion

Riders will have a bit of a dilemma on Saturday.  Did those warmest slopes melt enough, and will they be supportable enough to be in the infancy of a corn cycle?  Or is it better to search out those coldest, driest slopes in hopes of remaining powder?  Hmmm?!

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