Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

I observed many Wind Slab avalanches on Monday, including a large slide that was triggered naturally.  Heavy snowfall overnight means that avalanches will remain likely throughout the terrain on Tuesday.  The largest avalanches will be on North and East slopes that the wind has blown the new snow onto.  Be wary of any steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Despite the Light wind recorded at our Moon Mountain station, I observed lots of blowing snow today.  At Tam MacArthur Rim we were easily able to trigger shallow Wind Slabs on small steep slopes near treeline.  We have had a lot of snow recently and Wind Slab avalanches could be large.  Be conservative in any potentially wind loaded terrain.

    (12/16/2024)

    D2 Wind Slab at Tam Rim (ENE, 7400 ft.)

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The weather forecast is predicting a foot or more of new snow tonight, with generally warming temperatures.  This is a good setup for Storm Slab avalanches with warmer, more cohesive snow overlaying colder, weaker snow.  Your best tool for assessing the Storm Slab problem is utilizing short, very steep test slopes where you can observe the character of the new snow without being in danger of getting buried.  It can be hard to be conservative on these deep days when steeper riding is fun, but tomorrow will be a great time to be confident in your knowledge of the snowpack before deciding to ride any steep slopes.  Even relatively small, steep slopes can have bad consequences when terrain traps like gullies, cliffs, or tight trees exist.

Regions covered