Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind Slab avalanches will be likely on East and South slopes near treeline and in the alpine, as well as in lower elevation terrain where the wind can freely blow snow around.  If you are riding on these slopes, carefully evaluate recent patterns of blowing snow, and consider avoiding steep slopes that may be wind loaded.  When uncertainty exists stick to less steep slopes, or find great riding below treeline. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday we saw a lot of wind blown snow near treeline (see picture).  The wind was predominently from the West and NorthWest, which means it was building Wind Slabs on East and SouthEast slopes.  I observed a D1 Natural Wind Slab on a NorthEast slope at 7500 ft.  Moderate winds overnight will continue to move snow.

    On many slopes this wind direction  has been a bit more Northerly than what we are used to.  Look for recent, or unusal cornice growth, as well as scalloped textures on windward slopes, and variable snow depth/ski penetration on adjacent aspects as good clues for which slopes may be loaded.

    There was a lot of cold, dry, powder out there to be blown around, and Wind Slab avalanches could be large enough to bury or injure a rider (D2).

    (4/3/2023)

    Moderate Blowing Snow on a NorthEast slope near treeline

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

Avalanche Discussion

The wind was really the headline story on Monday, blowing around all of our nice new snow at upper elevations.  Below treeline there haven't been any reports of recent avalanche activity.  Storm slabs and Dry Loose avalanches have had some time to settle.  Avalanches below treeline are unlikely but remain possible on very steep and unsupported slopes.

Regions covered