Avalanche forecast

Newberry

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are possible on protected, north facing slopes.  On these slopes, a layer of weak snow lies beneath newer storm snow and could result in large slab avalanches.  Avalanches will also be possible on slopes where the wind has blown our latest snow: like north facing slopes below ridgelines and along the margins of the lava fields.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Observers have been able to find weak faceted snow beneath February's storm snow on cold, sheltered slopes.  Be careful on protected, north facing slopes that saw little wind or sun during the long dry spell earlier this winter.  The cold nature of this terrain allowed for weak snow to develop (facets) in these isolated spots.  All the great snow we've been getting since Superbowl weekend now lies on top of that weak snow. This layer is typically buried 1 ft. to 1.5 ft.  On Friday I avoided steep, unsupported and large slopes that fit that description.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing winds from the south will have no trouble blowing the light dry powder onto north facing slopes beneath ridgelines and other terrain features that block the wind.  Be particularly careful where these avalanches may occur above terrain traps like gullies, cliffs, or even shallow snow over boulder fields.

Avalanche Discussion

What beautiful, cold, dry snow and nice weather we have had!  There is a lot of great riding to be had, and it seems like the grooming team has been hard at work buffing out the trails!

Regions covered