Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Shallow Wind Slab avalanches are possible on East and South slopes at treeline and above.  For the most part these avalanches will be too small to bury or injure a rider.  Nonetheless be cautious on slopes with a large fetch or upwind area from which snow can blow.  In these areas Wind Slabs may be deeper than expected. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Friday terrain near the Cascade Crest received a few inches of new snow with Moderate to Strong West winds.  This newest snow will have blown onto East slopes at treeline and in the alpine.  In most cases the resulting instabilities will be very shallow.  On slopes that receive a lot of wind transport Wind Slabs to sz 1.5 are possible.

    No doubt folks will be looking for some new soft snow to ski.  Watch for cracking on lee slopes and when in doubt investigate any potential Wind Slabs on slopes that are less than 30 degrees.

    By Saturday evening the next round of snow will have arrived and new snow will begin to load East and South slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday we received the first of two shortwave systems.  This one brought a few inches of snow, and Moderate to Strong West winds.  The next system will begin in earnest on Saturday evening.  With dramatically cooling temperatures and relatively small storm totals, Wind Slabs are likely to remain our primary avalanche problem.  With such variable winds lately, the best clue for evaluating wind loading has been simply watching the wind move the most recent snow and then tracking the difference in snow textures across aspects.

Regions covered