Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

The avalanche danger will remain elevated as the mountains receive more heavy snowfall.  Monday will be a good day to start with conservative terrain choices (slopes that are not steep or convex), and only work into steeper terrain if your confidence in the snowpack allows you to do so safely.  The largest avalanches will be Wind Slabs on North and East slopes that the wind has blown snow onto.  Throughout the terrain, avalanches large enough to bury or injure a rider will be possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Sunday, there were observations of Wind Slab avalanches.  Test slopes near treeline were reactive (see picture).  We have received 15-20 inches of new snow in recent days, accompanied by variable wind speeds.  In some cases, there are recent Wind Slabs built on top of older Wind Slabs.  With more snow in the forecast overnight accompanied by Moderate wind gusts, identifying wind loaded slopes and avoiding them is a good idea.  Look for smooth pillowy textures below ridgelines, and recent cornices as good clues as to what may be wind loaded.

    (12/15/2024)

    Reactive test slope at 6,800 ft. NE in a wind loaded pocket directly below a ridgeline

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

  • Storm Slabs

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

    On Sunday, I observed Storm Slabs to be very stubborn.  Monday will be a different story.  The new snow will be accompanied by warming temperatures, which is the perfect setup for an "upside down" upper snowpack.  The cold, dry snow can create a weak layer underneath the warmer, more cohesive snow.  Small test slopes are your best tool for understanding the properties of the recent storm snow.  If you are finding a relatively shallow Storm Slab problem, be mindful of terrain traps like cliffs and gullies that may increase the consequences of even a small avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

We have received 40-50 cm of new snow since late last week.  During the last few days, there have been various non-peristent weak layers that resulted in avalanche activity (Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs).  On Sunday, I spent a lot of time looking beneath this new snow at the interface with the old snow, and the rain crust from last weekend (buried about 40-60 cm.)  While I was able to find relatively weak snow near this crust I didn't get any test results that would be indicative of avalanche activity.  I'll continue to pay attention to these layers and if you are inclined to do some digging, this is a great spot to focus your attention.  The standard compression test is the right tool for the job in this case. 

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