Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It will be possible to trigger Wind Slab avalanches on East facing slopes at and above treeline.  These avalanches will be small in the morning but grow throughout the day as the snow continues to fall with a Moderate West wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several inches of snow are forecast overnight, and then several more throughout the day.  Consistent, Moderate West winds will redistribute this snow onto East facing start zones and features.  Potential Wind Slabs can be 3-5 times deeper than the new snow is in meadows and terrain that is not affected by the wind.  Take the time to watch where the snow is blowing to, and use recent cornice growth, or snow textures like wind scallops to help identify recent wind loading.

    Often we are in the habit of starting our days out conservatively and then working into bigger terrain.  This strategy might not be completely appropriate on Sunday as avalanche danger increases throughout the day.

Avalanche Discussion

It sure is enjoyable to forecast some more wintery avalanche characters like Wind Slabs.  On Sunday our only problem will be Wind Slabs, but with snowfall continuing and increasing into next week I expect we may be adding Storm Slabs and Loose Dry to our list on Monday.  Tomorrow I'll be using test slopes and hand shears to see how well the new storm snow is bonding to our old snow layers.

Regions covered