Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

With new snow forecasted and strong winds, human triggered avalanches will be possible for Sunday. Wind slabs will likely form near and above treeline on lee aspects. Look for clues such as wind drifting snow below ridgelines, textured snow surfaces, and pillow-like features. Use caution in consequental/steep terrain, and if you see any avalanches and/or encounter any cracking, stick to slopes lower than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With  1"-5" of new snow forecasted and moderate to strong winds, it is possible we will see human triggered wind slabs on lee aspects. The new snow will be very cold and easily transported. With winds from the northeast we will see different slopes wind loaded compared to our usual westerly wind loading pattern. Remember that new snow can accumulate 3-5x deep.

    While traveling, be on the lookout for clues of wind loading such as drifting snow below ridgelines, rounded dome/pillow-like snow features, and textured snow. Also, look for signs of cracking in the snow, and consider assessing for wind slabs on safe test slopes. If instabilities are encountered, stick to slopes lower than 30 degrees. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

On Saturday I found a few small test slopes that produced some very small cracking, but overall I found the wind slabs to be unreactive on Tumalo.  While touring, the temperature dropped significantly and cloud coverage increased as the day continued.

Our local mountains received around 3" of new snow in the past few days. This new snow  is sitting on a variety of snow surfaces from wind effected snow to a melt freeze crust on solar aspects.

Regions covered