Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are possible on East slopes high in the Cascades.  While there isn't a lot of soft snow to blow around in alpine terrain, shifting winds may redistribute snow and create Wind Slabs on East slopes.  With variable winds over the past 3 days, it is worth investigating the stability on any steep alpine slopes that appear to hold smooth, soft snow, before committing to them.   Even if you are traveling in Low hazard terrain, continue to use safe travel techniques.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several days of mild temperatures and Light winds have meant that the potential for reactive Wind Slabs from the last storm has decreased dramatically. 

    On Tuesday I observed Moderate winds from the West and these will continue Wednesday at alpine elevations.  This wind was moving any remaining soft snow off of South slopes and onto East slopes.  I expect any new Wind Slabs to exist on the very specific terrain where these conditions exist.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow surfaces throughout the range vary widely based upon aspect, elevation, and position in the range.  Colder temperatures  early in the week, and now overcast skies have meant that there is still a lot of soft snow out there.  The sizeable Wind Slabs on South faces seem to have become unreactive.  There are no persistent weak layers of concern in our snowpack.

Regions covered