Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

With another incoming storm, wind continues to be the name of the game. Rippled texture on the snow surface, cracking, and blowing snow can be indicators of avalanches in wind-deposited snow. Use extra caution on lee slopes near ridge tops and around cornices. When uncertain, move to low angle slopes or stick to forested, wind-sheltered terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With new snow on the way and moderate winds out of the west and southwest, wind slabs will be likely on Monday. Look for changes in the snow surface as you move between sheltered and open terrain. When the snow feels more dense or cracks underfoot in open areas, this is a sign of wind slab. Be extra conservative if you see snow being moved by the wind, especially over cornices and ridges onto open slopes.

    At the top of Tumalo on Sunday, I found a mix of soft, unconsolidated snow, drifts, and shallow wind slabs. Some small cornices and wind drifts broke easily under my skis and triggered small wind slabs. I also noticed cracks behind some of the cornices at the top of the bowl and gave them a wide berth.

    (3/3/2024)

    A small wind slab observed in the Tumalo Bowl on Sunday. I also triggered a similarly sized wind slab on the rider's right side by stepping on and breaking a small cornice. 

    Photo: Allison Hartz

  • Loose Dry

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

    This incoming storm could bring several inches or up to 12 inches of new snow. Monitor the snowfall rate on Monday. If storm totals are on the low end of the forecast, this won't be much of a problem. If the snow starts stacking up, avoid steep terrain features and terrain traps like gulleys and tightly spaced trees. 

Regions covered