Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Slab avalanches will be possible to trigger in the recently accumulated storm snow and likely to trigger in wind drifted snow in terrain 30 degrees and steeper.  Be cautious on lee aspects where wind has deposited snow in greater depths. Ease into steeper terrain and if you encounter cracking in the surface snow and/or encounter previous slab avalanches, increase your safety margin by moving to lower angle terrain options.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With recent snowfall and westerly winds, expect east facing slopes near and above treeline to be wind loaded. Wind slabs typically form below ridge tops and high points and on other features that catch wind blown snow. Use visual clues such as a wavy, ripply, or pillowy surface texture to indicate where wind slabs have formed. Poor visibilty can make it difficult to judge wind loading from afar. Fresh cornice formation and actively blowing snow are also usefule clues to let you know where wind slabs may be lurking. Wind slabs will not be everywhere so using careful evalutation is key.  

    Triggering a wind slab could result in an avalanche large enough to bury a person. 

    Cracking in wind slab.

    Archive photo

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slabs are more likely to release in steep, rolling, and unsupported terrain. Storm slabs typically stabilize within a day or two after forming....if you have any doubt give the slope some time. The consequence of triggering a storm slab will increase in areas where terrain traps are present. Be aware of the terrain below and recognize terrain traps such as rocks, logs, cliffs, gullies and trees.

Avalanche Discussion

The season is off to a great start, however we are still dealing with early season conditions. Many rocks, logs, and small trees are just below the surface. Triggering an avalanche and going for a ride in these conditions can result in being dragged over and into obstacles in the shallow snowpack. 

The COAC team is working hard to check out as much terrain as possible although we are still working with limitied observations as the season gets underway. We are lacking observations from the high elevation alpine terrain and that will likely be the case until the current storm pattern eases off. The old snow sitting on the ground has gone through quite a few transitions over the last month. Some shallow north facing terrain could be harboring weak snow near the bottom of the pack, especially at higher elevations. It is a good time to dig into the snowpack and see what is sitting on the ground before making decisions to commit to extreme terrain. 

Please submit your snow and avalanche observations on the COAC website by using the observations tab. Information you submit is only useful if it includes elevation and aspect (you don't need to name your secret stash!). Information that is very useful includes if you saw avalanches, did not see avalanches, or observed signs of instability in the snowpack. Pictures are also very useful. 

 

COAC will be forecasting daily through April. We really appreciate the community support and we are looking forward to a great season!

 

 

Regions covered