Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Triggering avalanches will be possible in wind deposited snow on lee slopes near and above treeline. Wet avalanches will be possible at all elevations as the daytime temperature heats up especially on slopes in the direct sun. Be aware of terrain traps, such as rocks and cliffs, below you that can increase the consequence of triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This problem continues to have a lot of variability associated with it. The places to be especially cautious will be the high alpine terrain that has had more recent wind blown snow. Make sure to evaluate wind loaded slopes. Find a safe area to evaluate the wind slabs before committing to steep and extreme terrain. Conduct hand sheer tests and utilize small safe test slopes. Look for cracking in the wind slab, recent avalanches, and general signs of unstable snow as an indicator that you could trigger an avalanche. 

    As the wind picks up on Friday, new blowing snow may build fresh wind slabs on lee terrain features. 

    (3/7/2024)

    Previously wind loaded terrain with small cornices. East aspect above treeline. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Loose Wet

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

    As we turn the corner into late winter with spring only a few weaks away, the sun is becoming more intense and has a greater influence on the snow. With an abundance of soft snow in the upper pack, wet loose avalanches may be larger than what we typically see. Use timing and aspect to minimize your risk associated with wet avalanches. Avoid steep slopes if the surface snow becomes wet and slushy to ankle deep or more. Even small wet avalanches can have consequence in steep terrain and/or above terrain traps such as rocks and cliffs.

    Wet slabs are also possible.

    (3/7/2024)

    Small wet loose avalanches initiating from rocky areas heating up in the midday sun

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

  • Cornices

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

    As the daytime temperature warms up, don't linger under cornices. Warming can cause cornices to weaken and break naturally. Be cautious at ridge tops. Try to get a good vantage point to check for cornices hanging over lee slopes. Stepping out onto a cornice could lead to a long fall on the slope below. 

    (3/7/2024)

    Many large cornices at ridge tops. Picture from southeast aspect above treeline.

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

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