Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow overnight at mid and upper elevations along with westerly wind will form new wind slabs on north through east and southeast slopes. Rain at low elevations will cause surface snow to loose cohesion and become slushy bringing on the possibility of wet loose avalanches. On Sunday, avalanches will mostly be small, however evaluate slopes carefully especially in consequential terrain and around terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will form in leeward terrain below ridge tops and high points. Some gully features could also have wind slabs developing with cross slope winds. Monitor the depth of wind drifted snow as you move through lee terrain. Wind can deposit snow many times deeper than the accumulated storm snow.

    Most wind slab avalanches on Sunday will be small, however as you observe increased depth of wind loaded snow, expect resulting avalanches to become larger. Ease into steeper terrain. Look for blowing snow, cornices, and  pillowy, wavy, or chalky surface texture to indicate where wind slabs have formed. If you encounter wind transported snow 8-10" or deeper, cracking in wind drifted snow, or observe recent avalanches, that is a good indication to be cautious on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    The onset of wet loose avalanches will depend a lot on how wet the lower elevations get on Sunday. Wet loose avalanches will be more prevelant in areas such as Santiam pass and other areas below 6000 ft elevation. If you see rain on snow and the surface snow becomes wet and mushy to boot top deep, be cautious in steep terrain especially above and around terrain traps. 

    Wet loose avalanches release when the surface looses cohesion due to warming and/or rain. They often start at a single point and entrain more snow as they move downhill. Wet loose avalanches will be small on Sunday, however it does not take a lot of wet slushy snow moving to knock you off your feet, especially in steep terrain.

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