Central Oregon Avalanche Center

Central Oregon Avalanche Center Vision: A community that stays on top of the snow. Providing avalanche education and backcountry information to the Central Oregon backcountry user population

Check out this opportunity from Community Snow Observations and OSU to help gather data this weekend! Use the QR codes f...
03/06/2026

Check out this opportunity from Community Snow Observations and OSU to help gather data this weekend! Use the QR codes for more info:

“Community Snow Observations will be flying their first snow-on LiDAR survey of the upper Deschutes watershed this weekend. If you are touring, consider using your probe and the SnowScope app to log as many snow depths as you are able! These snow depths, along with the LiDAR data and the new snow pillow at Mt. Bachelor are all being used to develop better models of snow distribution and evolution in the OR Cascades.

To help sweeten the offer, we have gift cards to give out to the people who submit the most observations in our study domain. There are also BCA items to give out to top submitters as well (5 deep). There will be a second LiDAR survey in April. Use the various QR codes to see our study site, learn how to get SnowScope and to sign up to be considered for gift cards, etc. It’s been a bummer of a snow year...might as well do some science-ing while we can! Data ANY TIME are great. Data THIS WEEKEND are off the charts amazing.”

3/5/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line:Triggering avalanches in recently wind drifted snow, primarily near treeline an...
03/05/2026

3/5/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line:

Triggering avalanches in recently wind drifted snow, primarily near treeline and above treeline, will be likely. Avalanches have the potential to be large. Triggering avalanches in the recent storm snow will also possible. Be cautious in and around terrain that can increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche, such as constrictions, gully features, rocks, and cliffs. Minimize exposure to avalanches by steering around common trigger points like steep convex rolls, unsupported slopes, and by sticking to low angle terrain. 

📸 by COAC forecaster Aaron Hartz on 3/4/26: A wind slab avalanche in the Tumalo Bowl. The debris ran most of the way down the bowl. This was likely triggered by a natural cornice break in the early morning hours on Wednesday. Despite the long runout, the avalanche appeared to be shallow and on the small side (D1). East aspect, near treeline.

Hat restock is here! 🙌Fresh hats have arrived and will be available for pickup at our events tonight, Tuesday, March 3.🍺...
03/03/2026

Hat restock is here! 🙌

Fresh hats have arrived and will be available for pickup at our events tonight, Tuesday, March 3.

🍺 We’re honored to be selected as a Community Pint Partner of ! Every Tuesday in March, $1 from every pint sold will be donated to support COAC. Come grab a hat and a beer, we’ll be there from 4 - 6 p.m.!

❄️ Hoodoo Snowballer’s Bingo is back at ! Bingo kicks off at 6 p.m.

Hope to see you tonight!

03/01/2026

From today’s (03/01/26) forecast written by Elliott Reed for the Newberry/Paulina zone:

On Saturday, I found propagation on a facetlayer that is buried 22”-31” deep, depending on elevation. Our team has been tracking this layer throughout the season, and these snow grains have been gaining strength. However, snowpack tests reveal this layer still has the potential to cause avalanches.

In addition, forecasters have been finding surface hoar down 18” that was buried on 2/14. This layer has also shown test results that can be consistent with avalanches. Although we have not seen any recent avalanches on these layers, if you were to trigger a persistent slab, it will be very destructive.

Sometimes we do not get many clues of instability (such as cracking or whumpfing) from persistent slabs. However, persistent slabs can be unpredictable and catch riders off guard. It seems unlikley to trigger these weak layers, but due to the weak snow grains and the large slab sitting on top, I plan to give these layers more time to heal before traveling in consequential avalanche terrain in the Paulina area.

Video: Propagation Saw Test (PST) showing weak layer.

Always check the full forecast on our site.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Bend splitboarder Stratton Matteson, who tragically lost his life in an a...
02/26/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Bend splitboarder Stratton Matteson, who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in British Columbia.

Stratton was a beloved member of the Central Oregon backcountry community, and his loss will be felt deeply by many.

If you’ve ever driven up Cascade Lakes Highway in the middle of winter and passed a biker heading out for turns, chances are it was Stratton. He was not only a passionate splitboarder, but someone who lived with intention. His love for the mountains and our planet inspired those around him.

You made the world and everyone around you better, Stratton, and we’re grateful for it.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time.

Photo credit: Colton Jacobs Photography

COAC Members, join COAC Lead Forecaster Gabe Coler tomorrow night, Feb. 24th, at 7 p.m. for our member-exclusive virtual...
02/23/2026

COAC Members, join COAC Lead Forecaster Gabe Coler tomorrow night, Feb. 24th, at 7 p.m. for our member-exclusive virtual series exploring what he’s seeing in the Central Oregon snowpack throughout the season.

Each session will focus on current conditions, so specific topics will be tailored closer to each date. Discussions may include: 
 
     • Route planning with specific avalanche hazards in mind
     • Weather resources and how to interpret them
     • Key factors contributing to current avalanche problems
     • Open Q&A and discussion

Today’s session will focus on weather resources for tour/trip planning and beyond.

Check your email for the Zoom link!

Not a COAC member click the link in the bio to join and support your local avalanche center.

Know Before You Go: Avalanche Awareness with COAC Forecaster Aaron Hartz!📅 Wednesday, Feb. 25🕡 6:15 p.m.📍 🎟️ Free event...
02/20/2026

Know Before You Go: Avalanche Awareness with COAC Forecaster Aaron Hartz!

📅 Wednesday, Feb. 25
🕡 6:15 p.m.
📍
🎟️ Free event

Join Aaron Hartz from Central Oregon Avalanche Center for KBYG, a fun intro to staying safe in the backcountry.

No heavy science, no scare tactics, and no formulas to memorize — just straightforward information to help you make smarter decisions in avalanche terrain.

You’ll walk away knowing:
- Where avalanches happen
- Different avalanche types
- What causes slides
- How to minimize risk
- What tools + local resources to use

Whether you’re new to the backcountry or a seasoned backcountry traveler, KBYG offers fresh insights and reminders to keep your skills sharp for winter.

See you there! ❄️👊

We’re honored to be the beneficiary of Play Forever Thursday at this Thursday, 2/19!Through Mt. Bachelor’s Play Forever...
02/18/2026

We’re honored to be the beneficiary of Play Forever Thursday at this Thursday, 2/19!

Through Mt. Bachelor’s Play Forever initiative, a portion of every $99 lift ticket sold will go directly to support us at Central Oregon Avalanche Center and our work providing avalanche forecasts and education for the Central Oregon community. Grab your friends, enjoy the new snow, and ride knowing you’re helping support COAC!

We’ll be set up in West Village Lodge from 12:30–2:30pm — come say hi!

2/18/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line:Avalanches are possible throughout the terrain, and likely at upper elevations...
02/18/2026

2/18/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line:

Avalanches are possible throughout the terrain, and likely at upper elevations.  Be conservative on slopes where the wind may have blown in new snow, as avalanches on these slopes could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  On Tuesday, the snow was as light and dry as I’ve ever ridden in Oregon, but it was still producing slab avalanches.

📷 by COAC lead forecaster Gabe Coler on 2/17/26: Storm Slab D1 on a test slope at Tam Rim. NE slope at approx. 7,200ft.

2/18/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line: ...
02/18/2026

2/18/26 Central Cascades Zone Bottom Line:
Avalanches are possible throughout the terrain, and likely at upper elevations.  Be conservative on slopes where the wind may have blown in new snow, as avalanches on these slopes could be large enough to bury or injure a rider.  On Tuesday, the snow was as light and dry as I’ve ever ridden in Oregon, but it was still producing slab avalanches.

02/01/2026

A message from our forecaster Jonas from today, 1/31/26. There are still turns to be found out there!

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