Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The low avalanche rating represents the bulk of the day. By early Sunday evening a major storm will be arriving to our area, increasing the avalanche danger. Be on the lookout for small wind drifts of snow in the alpine. Also, be mindful of any small wet loose avalanche activity. If you see signs of instability, move to lower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We are forecasted to get new snow after 4pm on Sunday. The wind slab avalanche danger will rise in the evening and extend to near treeline terrain with new snow. Also, if we start to see snow earlier than forecasted, the avalanche danger will rise in proportion to how much new snow falls. 

    On Saturday I observed blowing snow at ridgelines primarily at the highest peaks in the alpine. With increasing winds, small wind slabs will be possible on lee aspects. Be on the lookout for new drifts of snow and cracking. Use safe indicator slopes to assess the snow, and if in doubt, stick to slopes under 30 degrees. Getting knocked off your feet in or near terrain traps (i.e. cliff, trees, gulley) can increase the consequence of an avalanche. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    In the morning we might have some breaks in the cloud coverage, and temperature could rise above freezing, especially at lower elevations. This might warm the snow surface on solar aspects. After 4pm the avalanche danger will rise especially if lower elevations recieve rain. If rain occures the avalanche danger will extend to all elevations and aspects that become wet.

    Be on the lookout for any wet loose avalanche activity. During the bulk of these avalanches will be small, however, be mindful of terrain traps (cliffs, trees, gulleys). If you start to see slushy surface snow and/or pin wheel, move to slopes that are less wet and damp.

Avalanche Discussion

On Saturday, I toured around Broken Top and Broken Hand zone. In the alpine I found a mix of wind affected snow, wind scouring, and some unconsolidated snow. Sunny aspects had a melt freeze crust from the previous warm day. In the afternoon winds increased. While touring I did not see any recent avalanches or experience any collapses. There were plenty of old avalanches that ran several days ago. I did find some isolated cracking in wind drifted snow on small indicator slopes. I dug in the snowpack on several aspects and was not able to find any persistent weak layers. I did find surface hoar from below treeline up to 7,500ft. Hopefully strong winds destroy this surface hoar before it gets buried.

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