Avalanche warning for North Oregon Cascades issued
An avalanche warning has been issued for the North Oregon Cascades. This will remain in effect until Sunday evening. The National Weather Service announced the warning on Saturday at 6:44 p.m. The weather service has warned of very dangerous conditions. Rain and heavy wet snow will burden the existing dry snowpack. This increases the risk of large avalanches. Such avalanches could even reach lower forest areas. These avalanches can be large enough to bury, injure, or kill people. They may also be strong enough to break trees. People are reminded that three factors lead to an avalanche: steep slopes, unstable snowpack, and triggers like new snow or wind. To stay safe, people should know if they are near slopes that could slide. It’s important to check for stable snow. Locals can refer to their avalanche center for updates. Outdoor enthusiasts should also carry essential gear. This includes a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Rescue chances decrease sharply after 15 minutes for someone buried in snow. It's crucial to practice rescue scenarios ahead of time, as lives may depend on it.