Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

On Monday it will be possible to trigger an avalanche at treeline and in the alpine on slopes that the wind has blown snow onto.  Due to shifting winds, Wind Slab avalanches could occurr on North, East, and even SouthEast slopes.  One great clue to recent wind loading is when you see obviously scoured slopes directly adjacent or opposite to smooth pillowy slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Our last bit of new snow on Saturday night fell with SouthWest winds.  On Sunday there were observations of small (D1) Wind Slab Avalanches on NorthEast slopes at treeline.  These avalanches will trend toward being more stubborn, but are still possible on Monday.

    By mid morning on Sunday the winds had shifted to the NorthWest and were moving snow onto East slopes creating new Wind Slabs.  The extent of blowing snow increased with alititude and it would be likely that the size and danger from these avalanches will similarly increase with elevation.

    Although Monday will see decreased wind speeds these older Wind Slabs could still be reactive.  If you are skiing up high and the slope is smooth and soft, it is worth finding a safe way to assess the depth and cohesion of the most recent snow.  This is most easily done on slopes less than 30 degrees.

Avalanche Discussion

With high pressure over the Cascades for the next few days, avalanche activity will diminish as the most recent Wind Slabs gradually become more stubborn and then unreactive.  Sometimes this process can take a few days, although a bit of warming and sunny skies should help us out a bit.  We don't have any peristent weak layers lingering in our snowpack.  Personally I'm disappointed to have this break in our stormy weather, but likely folks will be psyched to explore higher into the mountains, or have some sun on their face.

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