Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Windslabs will become more difficult to trigger and a bit more isolated on Friday.   It was an active week for avalanches, so don't let your gaurd down.   You might still find windslabs in the upper elevations, on unsupported slopes, or the lee sides of ridgelines. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The barrage of windslabs from this past week has tapered off.  Ski cuts, observations and snowpack tests on Thursday all showed promising signs the snowpack is trending towards stability.   This is all good news, but the windslab problem was considerable just yesterday... the wounds are still pretty fresh.   So continue being vigilant for signs of windload snow.   

  • Cornices

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

    This past week cornices have grown on North ridgetops.  The new build up, warm sun and higher temps are all reasons to keep your distance.  Stay further back than you think and don't have lunch under them...

Avalanche Discussion

I am pulling the persistent slab problem off the list.  Numerous healthy snow profiles and a lack of action on that layer over the past week has helped us build confidence.    If you are considering skiing big or complex terrain, it's still a  great idea to dig to the old rain crust ~3' down and build your own confidence.

Lingering windslabs in the upper elevations and steeper slopes will still be front brain for me.

Lower elevations and sunny slopes could see loose wet snow.

Regions covered