Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are in the midst of a very warm and wet storm that has brought rain to all but the highest elevations.  Many slopes don't have enough snow to either ride or avalanche.  Just below peak elevations, the mountains have been accumulating snow, but that will change on Tuesday as the snow level rises even higher.  As these high alpine slopes experience their first rain, avalanches are possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    While rain will extend through all elevations to 9,800 ft. by Tuesday afternoon, it is at the highest elevations where I see a potential for avalanches.  At lower elevations there isn't much snow to begin with, and rain on Sunday and Monday has likely already had its effect.  Those higher alpine slopes likely accumulated some snow over the weekend, and as the snow level rises even higher, they will begin to be saturated by the rain.  In addition to Wet Loose avalanches, Wet Slab avalanches are also possible, particularly on slopes that accumulated previously wind blown snow (think of old Wind Slabs becoming Wet Slabs).

Regions covered