Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Sunday it will remain possible to trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow on upper elevations above treeline. If you are skiing above treeline and uncertain about the stability, stick to windward terrain or slopes less than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since the recent low pressure system passed on Thursday night, we have been having pretty ideal weather conditions for the healing of our wind slabs- moderate warmth and light winds. Touring around Tam Rim on Saturday, snowpack tests confirmed trending stability, and I did not encounter any reactive wind slabs. That being said, I'm not quite ready to remove this problem completely, and the colder temperatures at upper elevations have likely slowed the stabilizing of these slabs. It is at these above treeline elevations on leeward terrain (NE - SE) that I would expect it is still possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche. 

    Isolated terrain features have the potential to produce large avalanches. Steep and unsupported terrain are the slopes where avalanches are more likely to be triggered. Utilize snowpack testing such as hand sheer tests to gain a better understanding of the presence of slabs. Additionally, safe test slopes can be a great indicator that wind slab avalanches could happen on similar terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

We are seeing a gradually increasing warm up with each day over the coming days. With this, we are also gradually approaching the potential for some warm weather avalanche problems, such as cornice fall and Wet Loose avalanches.  Although we are not quite there yet, it is worth noting and being aware of this trend. Keep your hackles up around cornices, as they are more likely to fall in warm temps, and may break further back than you would expect. Additionally, look out for rollerballing snow, pinwheels, or small natural point releases on solar slopes as we get into the afternoon heat. Below treeline elevations are where we would likely see this problem begin, as we still have ample unconsolidated snow in this terrain. If you start noticing any of these warning signs, be ready to step back from relavent terrain choices.

Regions covered