Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanches will be possible where the wind has blown the most recent snow into deeper, more cohesive drifts.  These "Wind Slabs" are most likely below ridge tops on North and East slopes.  I would expect Wind Slab avalanches could be large at alpine elevations that picked up more snow in this latest storm.  Steer clear of Cornices which are particularly weak right now after warm weather, rain, and now new snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday, I observed relatively light accumulations of new snow (about an inch of new snow at Tam Rim), but it sounds like storm totals were higher elsewhere.  I did observe Strong winds and any snow that was falling was being transported to lee slopes.  I would expect that there is quite a bit more new snow at higher elevations, where precipitation turned from rain to snow sooner.  Throughout the terrain, the potential Wind Slab avalanche problem will be proportional to the amount of new snow that has fallen.  Snow showers are forecast to continue tonight and during the day on Tuesday.  If you are choosing to tour on slopes where the wind may have blown the new snow, evaluate the potential for Wind Slab avalanches on low angle or smaller slopes before committing to steep unsupported slopes.

  • Cornices

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

    Warm temperatures last week, and then rain on Sunday night, have weakened cornices.  Continued stormy weather on Tuesday will be adding more weight to these weak cornices, and may make them difficult to assess and identify in low visibility.  I'll be giving any cornices a wide berth for the remainder of the year.

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