Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Continued snow showers will drop up to several inches by Wednesday afternoon.  Moderate and Strong winds on Wednesday will blow this new snow onto North and East slopes.  This newly deposited snow will lead to shallow, though not insignificant, Wind Slab avalanches on Wednsday afternoon/evening.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wind Slab avalanches occurr when the wind moves soft snow from windward slopes (in this case Southwest and South) onto lee slopes (North and East in this case).  The wind can pack this snow into a more cohesive slab.  Wind Slabs most often occurr below ridglines and high points, or on the lee of mid slope ridges or features (when the wind is moving across a slope).

    On Wednesday potential Wind Slabs will grow throughout the day as more snow falls into the afternoon and the wind increases.  Several inches of new snow fell in some regions on Tuesday afternoon and will be available for transport.  The forecast is calling for 2-3 more inches by Wednseday evening.  When gauging the potential size of Wind Slab avalanches remember that wind deposited snow can be 3-5 times as deep as what has fallen in meadows or glades.

Avalanche Discussion

The storm snow from last week has survived remarkably well with fairly cold temperatures and the low January sun angle.  Nonetheless, it sure was nice to see some fresh snow in the air this afternoon!  We haven't seen any reported avalanches during the last few days.  On Wednesday any avalanches will be direct action avalanches asocciated with wind and new snow.

Regions covered