Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slab avalanches will be unlikely to trigger on Saturday, but are still something to keep in mind . Watch for signs of wind loaded slopes especially in isolated pockets of steep and unsupported terrain near and above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday, wind slabs were observed to be unreactive. Although unlikely, keep wind slabs in mind in isolated pockets of steep and unsuported terrain as you move through the mountains on Saturday. Look for small cornices and rough, wavy, or chalky surface texture to indicate where wind slabs have formed. If you encounter cracking in wind drifted snow, or observe recent avalanches, that is a good indication to stay off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees. 

     

    Classic appearance of wind slab. From Ball Butte on 12/17

Avalanche Discussion

The central Oregon snowpack has had a little time to settle and adjust after the recent storm. Reports from around the region convey a mostly right side up snowpack.

COAC observers have found no weak layers of concern.

On Saturday, the daytime high temperature will warm up but not likely to be enough to lead to wet loose avalanches.

Across the region, there is a light breakable crust near the surface over a variety of aspects and elevations. In some places it is hardly noticeable while in some areas it is prominent. 

 

Regions covered