Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering a slab avalanche in wind drifted snow will be possible on Thursday near and above treeline on west, north, and east facing slopes. New snow in in the last 24 hours combined with stout wind loaded lee slopes on Wednesday. Monitor depth of wind loading on lee terrain features and if you observe signs of unstable snow such as cracking in the surface snow or previous avalanche activity, increase your safety marin by moving to lower angle terrain less than 30 degrees steep. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Wednesday, more snow accumulation than was expected combined with southerly winds to load lee slops. Shooting cracks along with multiple human triggered and natural wind slab avalanches (small; size 1) were observed on northerly slopes near treeline. Blowing snow was observed throughout the day at ridge tops and wind deposits were observed up to 60 cm deep. 

    By Thursday, existing wind slabs will have had time to settle down and will become less reactive. As the snowfall is backing off, much of the snow that could be moved has already been moved by the wind. However, new shallow wind drifts could form overnight and into Thursday. 

    Most avalanches will be small, but some isolated terrain features could produce large avalanches.

    Check lee slopes for signs of wind deposited snow and evaluate the depth of recently formed wind slabs. The usual suspect terrain is below ridge tops, high points, and other terrain features that catch blowing snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

Overall, the new snow from the last week is showing good structure and right side up in areas that have not been affected by the wind.

In the last 24 hours, new snow accumulation has not been deep enough to bring on a storm slab problem. 

On Thursday, warming and a chance of rain at lower elevation areas, like Santiam Pass, could bring on some small wet loose avalanches. Look for signs of rollerballs, pinwheels, and slushy snow to indicate wet avalanches could happen.  

Regions covered