Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

For Sunday, continue to be on the lookout for small pockets of wind drifted snow near and above treeline. Any reactive wind slabs will be small. However, use caution in terrain where getting knocked off your feet will lead to consuquences. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    On Saturday I found a few very small pockets of wind slabs on easterly indicator slopes on Ball Butte. I also observed snow being transported at ridgetops in the early morning. With a few inches  of cold, new snow and shifting winds, be on the lookout for small pockets of wind drifted snow near and above treeline. Given the small amount of snow we have received, I do not expect to find any large wind slabs. However, always be cautious of unstable snow in steep and consequential terrain. Look for signs of wind slabs such as cracking, textured snow, or wind drifts below ridgeline.

    (12/23/2023)

    Very small wind slab on indicator slope. This was the extent of unstable snow I was able to find on Ball Butte. As always, use caution in consequential terrain.

    Photo: Elliott Reed

Avalanche Discussion

Overall the snow surface is a variable mix of firm ice, wind effected snow, and an inch or two of cold/unconsolidated snow. There are still a lot of logs/rocks exposed and even running creeks, especially at our lower elevation. 

Regions covered