Avalanche forecast

Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely today. Watch for small, dry loose avalanches on shaded slopes above 7000', steeper than 35 degrees. Isolated pockets of shallow wind slabs from recent NW winds could be lurking above 7500'. Pay attention to the ever-changing spring weather and how it's impacting the snow surface.

Happy April! A quick-hitting and impressive storm dropped 6-12" in a matter of just a few hours Sunday night into early Monday morning. Since Monday, scattered snow showers have brought another 2-4" to the mountains. The weather pattern remains unchanged for one more day. Expect partly sunny skies in the morning and scattered snow showers in the afternoon. New snow accumulations are forecasted to remain light (1").

Wind Slabs

You may find isolated pockets of wind slabs from NW winds in terrain above 7500'. Yesterday, we observed isolated cracking on a small, cross-loaded feature from recent NW winds. These would likely be spotty and small in size. As you climb into the upper elevations, look for dunes, drifts, or pillows to indicate previous wind loading. Pay attention to the feeling of the snow, does it change from soft and powdery to stiff and "slabby"? If so, find a different aspect that isn't wind-loaded.

Loose Avalanches

Yesterday, we observed small (D1), skier-triggered dry loose (sluff) moving in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. These surface sluffs were less than 6 inches deep, were slow-moving, and manageable. You're most likely to encounter these on shaded slopes above 7000', steeper than 35 degrees. The cool, cloudy, snow showery conditions have prevented wet loose avalanches from turning on solar aspects. Be thinking about small, wet loose slides if the sun sticks around longer than forecasted. Just a small dose of April sunshine will heat up the new snow very quickly and create small, loose avalanches. Even a small, loose slide can have big consequences above terrain traps like rocks, cliffs, and trees. Below 7000', you're more likely to see loose snow shedding off rocks and trees, especially during the afternoon hours.

Spring Mindset

Springtime is when mountain travelers push for bigger objectives. We have greater confidence in the stability of the snowpack and the high sun angle makes us feel ready to charge. As we start stepping out into bigger terrain in the mountains, be mindful of consequences (ask yourself, "If this slides, what will happen?"). Choose your terrain appropriately and manage new/surface snow problems accordingly.  Be aware that dynamic weather can have quick impacts on the snow surface. A common theme I've noticed over the last 15 years playing in steep, snowy mountains is that experienced, seasoned people often get caught in small avalanches in big terrain during the spring. We have a tendency to underestimate "manageable" new snow problems like wind slab and loose snow. Pay attention to changing weather and know that small shifts in spring weather can have dramatic impacts on the upper snowpack.

As we've experienced this week, spring weather patterns are erratic. Overcast skies and snow showers can open up to full sunshine in a matter of minutes. Convective snow showers can be spotty and difficult to forecast. Temperatures can vary depending on elevation and unexpected cloud cover can significantly alter a weather forecast. It's important to stay flexible in your travel plans throughout the mountains. 

Want to support your local avalanche forecast? Submit an observation. Submitting an observation on our website is a great way to help forecasters gather more information and improve avalanche forecasts.

Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous. Go to the survey here.