Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Wednesday we can expect a classic Oregon snowstorm with the typical Considerable avalanche hazard.  The more snow we get, the more dangerous avalanche conditions will be.  Avalanches will be possible on steep slopes throughout the terrain.  At higher elevations where the wind can blow the snow, avalanches will be likely and large.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    By midday Tuesday, I was observing cracking on small test slopes, and was able to trigger small Wind Slab avalanches.  This was before any new snow had begun to fall.  As new snow falls and wind continues to redistribute new storm snow, Wind Slab avalanches will become more dangerous and could easily be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  On these stormy days the best riding is often found lower in the terrain where the snow is lighter.  Seek out those sheltered glades.  Look for where the trees are still holding lots of the storm snow.

    Lastly, remember that although Wind Slabs most often occur at high elevations, they can also be found lower in the terrain where the wind blows freely.  Often this is in burned areas and along lava fields.

    (1/6/2026)

    Small Wind Slab avalanche on NNE slope at 7,200 ft.

    Photo: Gabriel Coler

  • Storm Slabs

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

    If storm totals end up approaching a foot or more, we will start to see consequential avalanches in more sheltered terrain.  These could take the form of Storm Slabs, or they could be Dry Loose avalanches.  Probably most often, we see a combination of the two.  Finding steep, unsupported, and small test slopes is your best tool for evaluating this problem.  Avoid riding steep, unsupported lines until you have confidence in the stability of the new storm snow.

Regions covered