Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering a wind slab avalanche will be likely in the right terrain on Friday. If you are moving through the near treeline and above treeline areas, evaluate lee slopes carefully. Avoid wind loaded slopes.

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Thursday there were two reports of skier triggered wind slab avalanches from near treeline on easterly aspects. In addiiont, mulitple observers have reported cracking in the wind transported snow on esterly aspects near treeline.

    Active blowing near ridge tops has been observed into the afternoon on Thursday. With sustained W and SW winds, wind slabs are likely still building and could be sensitive to triggering on Friday.

    Look for visual signs such as pillows of wind difted snow, and a wavy or uneven surface texture to indicate a surface may be wind loaded. Recently formed cornices can also be clues that wind slabs are present. If you see cracking in the surface snow or experience hollow sounds on the surface, these are signs to move to lower anger terrain and/or avoid loaded slopes. 

    Skier triggered wind slab (size D1) reported Thursday. Tam Rim, easterly aspect near treeline

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Storm slabs are trending in the right direction, and that is bonding with the older snow/crust. On Friday, rising temperatures could make storm slabs a little more touchy and will remain something keep in mind. If you observe cracking in storm snow, avoid convex and steep terrain over 30 degrees.

Avalanche Discussion

As we ride the tail end of the storm and precipitiation backs off, we need to be aware of how the wind is still moving snow around. There is sill soft snow available for transport and we will likely see active wind loading of lee slopes into Friday. The wind has been pretty consistent out of the W and SW and we know north through southeast slopes have become wind loaded. We can use that knowledge to formulate a travel startegy and avoid most wind loaded slopes. 

 

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