Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Recent snow and increasing winds on Saturday will result in snow drifts of increasing size and sensitivity throughout the day. This is most likely to occur on N to E aspects, especially below ridges and cornices. If you are unsure about the snow stability, seek windward terrain or slopes less than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday at Ball Butte, stability tests on various aspects within the recent storm snow showed indications that our recent storm slab problem has mostly healed. At this point, I would expect any lingering or newly formed slabs to be in wind drifted snow on leeward terrain. Saturday's wind slab hazard will increase throughout the day as winds increase. Winds have generally remained on the "light" side of the spectrum throughout the last week, allowing the 18" of recent snow to remain low density and readily available for wind transport. At higher elevations where the terrain is more exposed, I would expect that by around midday we may see active wind transfer of snow along ridges. Utilize stability tests and red flag clues such as cracking and collapsing to understand where this problem may exist. Expect the most likely trigger points to be on steep convex rollers below ridges.

Avalanche Discussion

Very small dry loose avalanches seemed to be the primary instability of the day on Friday, and with our slight warm-up I would expect this problem to have a stabilizing trend coming into Saturday. That being said, small dry loose avalanches may still be possible on steep and sheltered shaded slopes where cold, unconsolidated snow has been preserved.

Friday's clearing was a great time to have a look around at the upper elevations of our zone for any signs of recent avalanche activity. From my perch on Ball, I did not observe any crowns from natural avalanches during our recent storm cycle, which is a good indiciation of a generally right side up snowpack.  If you do observe any natural or human triggered avalanche activity, it is always helpful to post a public observation. It was fun to see so many people out on Friday making the most of the cold, clear weather and recent snow! Was becoming too normal last month not seeing anyone else in the backcountry on my tours... 

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