Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The largest avalanches and period of greatest instability is likely behind us and occurred during the deluge.  On Monday, new snow and wind mean that avalanches will be possible at upper elevations, where the wind has blown in this new snow.  At lower elevations, where the snow remains saturated with water, wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes.  Avoid traveling on or beneath any large cornices, as they could be very weak after Sunday's rain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As the snow level drops to 6000 ft. on Monday morning, terrain near treeline and above will be getting new snow accompanied by Southwest winds.  For most of the terrain that folks might be riding in, the snow accumulations should be relatively modest.  Wind Slab avalanches will be possible on North and East slopes below ridgelines and will be proportional to the amount of new snow that we receive.

    The highest elevations (maybe above 8,500 or 9,000 ft.) may have received a lot of new snow instead of rain on Sunday.  At these highest elevations, Wind Slab avalanches could be Large.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Likely we will see some debris from previous Wet Avalanches as folks venture out on Monday or Tuesday.  The danger from Wet avalanches typically recedes relatively quickly once the rain or very warm temperatures have passed.  On Monday, lower elevation terrain may see continued rain, and at these elevations Wet Loose avalanches will remain possible.

  • Cornices

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

    While it is always a good idea to give cornices a wide berth, they are particularly dangerous when they are growing rapidly or weakened rapidly.  It's hard to imagine a better way to weaken cornices than the substantial rainfall that we received on Sunday.  Monday will be a day to avoid being on or under any large cornices.

Regions covered