Avalanche forecast

Newberry

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

On Sunday, it will remain possible to trigger an avalanche in the Newberry Monument zone. Warm temperatures will continue to melt the surface snow, especially on aspects that receive direct sunlight (E-S-W). Additionally, North facing slopes at mid and upper elevations are holding isolated pockets of old, wind blown snow that could result in slab avalanches. Exercise caution on these North aspects where recent wind blown snow overlies weaker snow. As the day heats up, avoid steep solar slopes with wet, slushy snow that penetrates above your boot height.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    On Saturday, the Paulina Peak weather station clocked a high temp of 46 degrees, and signs of recent loose wet avlanche activity were present on several steep solar slopes in the area. While Sunday is showing to be cloudier, there should be consistent breaks for the sun to come through. Additionally, temperatures are forecasted to be even a few degrees warmer with not much of an overnight re-freeze to help buffer a wet loose problem. While these wet loose avalanches are likely to remain small, the Newberry zone has no shortage of terrain traps (e.g. cliffs and trees) below steep slopes, which would result in a small slide having higher consequence. Look for active rollerballing, signs of recent avalanche activity, and deep slushy snow to better understand when this is becoming a problem.

    (4/5/2025)

    Steep south facing slopes showing signs of loose wet avalanche activity in recent days.

    Photo: Ryan Marvin

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Gabe's video from Friday attached here shows a great example of the isolated wind slab problem currently present in the Newberry zone. With no recent snow and minimal recent wind transport, these slabs should be starting to settle and becoming less likely to trigger. That being said, there is still a slab present (cohesive strong snow over weaker snow) in isolated areas on north facing slopes. This requires active assessment and careful consideration before stepping out into similar, steep slopes. Start small and look out for any red flags in the snowpack, such as collapsing and shooting cracks. 

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