Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet Loose avalanches will be possible on south facing slopes as the day warms up.  Timing is important during these spring days; if you are too early the surface snow may still be frozen, if you are too late you could trigger Wet Loose avalanches.  If you are finding deeper, slushy snow, consider riding on shadier slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm daytime temperatures will continue to melt the surface snow, and Wet Loose avalanches will remain possible.  On Saturday, there was less wet avalanche activity than I expected.  I saw a lot of crowns in steeper terrain from several days ago, and this previous avalanche activity may have helped minimize the transitional avalanches we otherwise would have seen today.  I did observe one significant D1 Wet loose avalanche on a southeast facing alpine slope (I'm guessing it was skier triggered).  South facing slopes are the warmest and as a result those slopes are where we see the most wet avalanches.  The more melt-freeze cycles that the snow goes through, the more predictable wet avalanches become.  Signs of a wet avalanche problem include:  natural avalanches from very steep terrain and beneath rocks and cliffs, lots of new pinwheels or rollerballs, and generally deep slushy snow.  If you are observing these signs it is likely you can find safer and more enjoyable riding on cooler slopes.

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