Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind Slab avalanches will be likely near treeline and in the alpine on North and East slopes.  The size of potential avalanches will relate directly to the amount of new snow we receive.  Choose conservative terrain if you are venturing above treeline on North and East aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snowfall started a bit later than expected today, and from what I saw, the Wind  Slab problem was only starting to materialize by the afternoon.  This will be a much different story by Monday if we continue to receive new snow (there is 6-8 additional inches in the forecast).  Wind Slabs can be 3-5 times as deep as the snow that's accumulated in calm meadows and glades.  If you are planning to travel near treeline or in the alpine on lee slopes, choose conservative terrain and observe signs of where the wind has been blowing the snow too.  Variable snow depth across aspects, as well as variable snow textures (scalloped and scoured vs. smooth and pillowy) are signs of recent wind transport.

    Remember that open terrain and burns can mimic near treeline terrain even though they are lower in elevation.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Cornices seemed to grow particularly rapidly during last week's storm and they will continue to grow with this new snowfall.  I've been giving them a little extra room lately.

Regions covered