Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches will be possible on all elevations and aspects due to rain and warm temperatures. Look for clues such as wet/slushy snow, pin wheels and recent avalanches. If you start to see these signs, stay off and avoid being under steep slopes. Continue to give cornices a wide berth as rain/warmth will continue to cause weakening.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches will be possible on all elevations and aspects. The avalanche danger will rise throughout the day as more rain falls. We are expected to recieve 1/4" of rain during the day with more rain into the evening hours. Most avalanches will be small; however, larger avalanches will be possible (especially at lower elevations). A lack of refreeze, rain and temperatures above freezing will lead to wet loose activity on all elevations and aspects except for the highest peaks. For the snow level, we will see a low of 7,400ft and rise throughout the day to 8,700ft.

    Look for clues such as wet/slushy snow (especially if you sink to your boot top or deeper), pin wheels and recent wet loose avalanches. If you start to see these signs, avoid being on and under slopes over 30 degrees. In addition, use caution in and around large steep sustained slopes and terrain with gulleys, constrictions and cliffs. Wet loose avalanches can be powerful and easily knock a rider off their feet.

    Wet slabs may also be possible especially at lower elevations.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices breaking naturally will be possible due to warm temperatures and rain. This time of year give cornices a large distance, use caution near ridgelines and always know the terrain that is above you (aka overhead hazards). Remember that cornices tend to break back farther than expected.

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday I toured around Santiam Pass. While traveling I primarily found warm temperatures (40F) and limited refreeze overnight. When stepping out of my skis, I was sinking up to my boot top in wet snow. In the afternoon winds became strong from the east and very light rain occurred. 

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