Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise sharply with heavy snowfall and Strong winds.  The most dangerous areas will be East and Northeast slopes at and above treeline where there is the potential for large Wind Slab avalanches.  Below treeline, the danger will correlate directly with how much snow has fallen; expect shallow slabs or small sluffs in the morning, and the potential for larger slides later in the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Heavy snowfall and Strong winds will create Wind Slab avalanches.  Winds have shifted back to our more typical SouthWest and West directions.  Tomorrow is a good day to avoid steep wind loaded slopes.  Sometimes the strongest winds can leave wind affected snow even down into the open glades and bowls just below treeline.  Don't get caught off gaurd; evaluate the consistency of snow in potential start zones safely.  Keep your eyes out for surface snow that is more consolidated than it is in the trees.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Heavy rates of snowfall along with predicted totals near a foot by Sunday evening, could create Storm Slab avalanches.  While these avalanches would be smaller in the morning, they could become more signifcant by afternoon when there is more new snow on the ground.  The potential for Storm Slab avalanches can be observed with targeted tests along your up track.  Use hand shears, test slopes, and pole probing to see how consolidated the new snow is, and weather or not there are hard over weak layers.

Avalanche Discussion

It sure feels good to have to think about new snow!  Avalanche activity will primarily involve the new storm snow although I won't rule out something initiated in the 5-15 cm. just beneath.  People last weekend and during the week were getting surprised by shallow slabs sliding on the rain crust from early March (down 5-15 cm).  While this activity was mostly due to shifting wind direction, I'll be watching the interface with that rain crust for a little longer.

Regions covered