Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches will be likely on North facing slopes in any terrain where the wind can freely blow new snow.  This typically means upper elevation terrain that is near or above treeline, but also includes burns, lava fields, and any other open terrain.  These avalanches could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  Below treeline and in more sheltered terrain Storm Slab avalanches will be possible.  These avalanches will be smaller but could still be consequential on slopes where terrain traps are present.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snowfall forecasts are predicting 30 cm or more of new snow near the Cascade Crest by Tuesday evening.  This new snow will be accompanied by Moderate wind from the South.  This wind will move the snow and pack it into Wind Slabs on North facing slopes below ridgelines, and along crossloaded features.  It doesn't seem like folks will be chomping at the bit to get up into the alpine on Tuesday, but much of our "storm skiing" does extend up to treeline elevations, and these will be the areas to watch out on Tuesday.  We haven't had a lot of storms this year with winds straight from the South, be wary of wind slabs in slightly different spots than you may be used to.  It'll be a great day to make conservative terrain choices if you choose to ride on potentially wind loaded slopes.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Significant new snow with gradually warming temperatures means there is the possibility of Storm Slab avalanches on Tuesday.  The size of potential Storm Slab avalanches will relate directly to the amount of new snow that we receive.

    When it comes to evaluating a Storm Slab problem, I usually look first to see if the new snow has any cohesion.  Then I look to see if there is weaker snow beneath that cohesive layer.  Your best tests for making these observations are test slopes, hand shears, and other skin track observations.

Avalanche Discussion

What was it? 2 Days?  And on Tuesday we will be back to storm skiing mode!  I sure won't complain.  Similarly, avalanches will be of the stormier variety:  Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs, and maybe some shallow Dry Loose.

Regions covered