Avalanche forecast

Central Cascades

Central Oregon Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely in all but the warmest terrain.  Watch for mostly small Loose Wet avalanches on steep South facing slopes, and at lower elevations.  The likelihood of Loose Wet avalanches increases throughout the day as the sun and above freezing temperatures melt the surface snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    There were reports of a few D1 Loose Wet avalanches on Saturday.  I saw a very small one triggered by a cornice fall at Santiam pass, and another was reported at the back of Broken Top Bowl.  I expect Loose Wet avalanche activity to be minimal on Sunday except at low elevations or on the steepest South slopes.

    Loose Wet avalanches occurr when the sun and warm daytime temperatures melt the snow.  As the amount of liquid water increases the surface snow becomes unstable and creates tear-dropped shaped avalanches.  This avalanche character can be very predictable.  As the day heats up, or perhaps as you change aspects watch for your skis/boots sinking deeper into wet snow.  The steepest warmest terrain is the first to produce small Loose Wet avalanches especially beneath rocks and cliff bands.

    Pay attention to what direction your intended slope faces, and time your tour to insure safe, and soft skiing!

Avalanche Discussion

Likely most slopes have gone through a melt-freeze clycle.  Sunday could provide some fun corn skiing at and above treeline.  We don't have any significant persistent weak layers i n our snow pack.

Regions covered