Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

On Sunday, avalanches will be likely in areas of wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. Avoid slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees if you see the wind blowing snow onto that slope. At lower elevations, mixed rain and snow will result in a low avalanche danger, although heavy, slushy snow and obstacles like logs and rocks could pose a hazard. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The primary avalanche hazard on Sunday will be wind slabs, and you'll encounter these above 7,000', since that's approximately where the snow/rain line will be until Sunday afternoon. With 12 inches of new snow possible by Sunday night and winds blowing from the southwest and west, fresh wind slabs will be forming below ridgetops, in bowl features, and in any open terrain that can catch blowing snow. Conditions will be blustery, with gusts into the upper 40 mph range, which could result in unusual loading patterns. Wind slabs can form 3-5 times deeper than the amount of snow that falls from the sky, and they are most unstable when newly formed. This avalanche danger will increase throughout the day as new snow stacks up and continues to get transported by the wind. If you venture up high on Sunday, monitor how much new snow has fallen, the depth of wind-deposited snow, and if you're in doubt, avoid avalanche terrain (slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees) altogether. Also keep an eye out for newly formed cornices, and give them a wide berth. 

Avalanche Discussion

Elevations below 7,000' will get a mix of rain and snow on Saturday night and Sunday, until snow levels drop on Sunday afternoon. If you're traveling on snow at lower elevations, watch for instabilities in slushy snow if you encounter very steep ("extreme") terrain. Additionally, be cautious of hazards relating to crusty or heavy, wet snow and a generally thin snowpack: rocks, logs, and open creeks.  

Regions covered