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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering wet snow avalanches will be possible at all elevations, especially on steep slopes in the direct sun. Most avalanches will be small, but smal avalanches can have consequences in steep terrain. Avalanches have the potential to increase in size as wet slushy snow makes its way deeper into the pack and/or if you are on big steep terrain. If you begin sinking into wet slushy snow, consider moving to more shaded slopes or to lower angle terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Timing is key with this problem. We are looking for the slopes that have softened up enough for good riding, but we should also be aware when the signs of wet snow avalanches present themselves. Look for clues like the snow becoming wet and slushy deeper into the upper pack, rollerballs, and pinwheels as signs that these avalanches can happen. Most wet loose avalanches will be small, however be cautious in steep and committing terrain. Small wet snow avalanches can cause you to loose your footing on steep slopes and send you tumbling into whatever is below. If the surface snow becomes wet and slushy to boot top depth or more, loose wet avalanches will gain size and pack more of a punch. 

    Big and sustained steep slopes have the chance to entrain a lot of snow, leading to a larger avalanche. Be especially cautious in large bowl type features that funnel into a constriction.

    On Thursday I only observed very small wet loose avalanches on south and southeast aspects above treeline. 

    Archive Photo

    Small wet loose avalanche on a steep alpine slope in the direct sun.

  • Cornices

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

    Some cornices have broken off or melted back but there are still some hanging on out there. Cornices can weaken during warm days especially with direct sun. These are not the days to linger under cornices. If you are travelling under a cornice, keep moving and minimize your exposure. Also be cautious when approaching ridge tops especially if you can't see over the other side. Avoid walking out onto a cornice. They can break under the weight of a person leding to a fall onto the slope below. 

    Archive Photo.

    Example of a large cornice lurking at ridgetop. 

    Photo: Aaron Hartz

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