Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches will be likely and could be large on East slopes where the wind has blown our most recent snow.  Be very cautious if traveling in wind loaded terrain.  Below treeline Dry Loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes.  Avoid riding above terrain traps that would increase the consequences of being caught and carried.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today I observed moderate blowing snow even relatively low in the terrain along Todd Ridge, and weather stations recorded Moderate and Strong winds from the West throughout the day.  With forecast storm totals in the 35-45 cm. range Wind Slabs could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  Be very cautious if traveling on wind loaded slopes and avoid steep unsupported terrain.

    Winds are forecast to shift to the North as the storm moves out of the region.  Although wind speeds are forecast to decline there is the possibility that South facing slopes will begin to form Wind Slabs as well.

  • Loose Dry

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

    By Tuesday morning there will be 35-45 cm. of new snow on the ground.  With temperatures continuously falling throughout the storm Dry Loose avalanches will be likely.  While Dry Loose avalanches tend to be smaller and more predictable than slab avalanches, they can still injure or bury a rider.  Watch out for terrain traps that might increase the consequences of being caught and carried.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Instabilities below treeline will be primarily Dry Loose avalanches.  Storm Slabs are also possible.  Particularly when the winds are Strong we often see wind packed snow lower in the terrain than we otherwise might (maybe this is technically a wind slab masquerading as a storm slab).  I'm thinking of open glades below treeline.  With over a foot of new snow on the ground it is wise to observe whether or not the storm snow is forming a cohesive layer.  Simple skin track tests like hand shears are valuable in these instances, as are simple observations from skinning/riding through the fresh snow.

Avalanche Discussion

After a weekend of high pressure, we are back into storm mode.  Forecast storm totals are in the range of 35-45 cm.  The usual Moderate and Strong winds mean that we'll see the usual avalanche characters: Wind Slabs, Dry Loose and less likely Storm Slabs.

Regions covered