Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering avalanches will be likely in the new storm snow and wind drifted snow. Avalanches in the new snow can happen throughout the terrain while avalanches in wind drifted snow will be specific to lee slopes and features that catch blowing snow and primarily on north, east, and south facing slopes near and above treeline and anywhere the wind can deposit snow. Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day and it will be a day to be cautious and when you have doubts, choose less steep terrain under 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The wind will be moving a lot of snow over the next 24 hours. Keep an eye on where wind blowing snow is being deposited. With winds in the upper end of moderate to strong, wind slabs can form in unusual places and avalanches may be larger than our typical wind slab avalanche. Look for clues, such as surface texture of the snow, to identify where wind slabs have formed. Look for ways to avoid wind slab as you move through the terrain. As you move through the mountains, look for signs of cracking in wind drifted snow and previous avalanches. These are good signs that you can trigger an avalanche in the right terrain.

    Areas below the typcial treeline can still experience wind loading especially when the wind ramps up. Clearings and  areas with dead trees, for example, can get a lot of wind blowing snow moving around leading to wind slabs building. 

    ARCHIVE PHOTO

    Cracking in wind slab

  • Storm Slabs

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

    This problem will build through the day. As the snow stacks up on Saturday, the air temperature will rise and create the classic storm slab setup; heavier snow over lighter snow. Look for previous avalanches and cracking in the storm snow as these are good incicators that you can trigger an avalanche. If you feel the need to go into steep terrain, check out the snow beforehand. Utilize small convex test slopes to look for cracking in the storm snow. Evaluate the structure and depth of the storm slab using hand shear tests. Storm slabs often initiate on the convex rolls, but can happen anywhere the slope is steep enough for snow to move (i.e. 30 degrees and steeper).

    ARCHIVE PHOTO

    Small storm slab avalanche 

Avalanche Discussion

Before the storm came in we had cold and clear conditions, and the snow sitting on the ground in some places faceted, becoming loose sugary snow crystals. This could lead to avalanches propagating and running out farther than normal.

As the snow cover builds, remember the rocks and logs are not far beneath the surface. Watch for those early season hazards.

We encourage people to submit observations on the COAC website using the observations tab. Observations do not need to be technical in nature, and really a general description of what you see goes a long way. Remember to tie your observations to an aspect (the directioin a slope faces) and elevation (below treeline, near treeline, or above treeline) to make them relevant. 

Regions covered