Lawinenlagebericht

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Triggering avalanches up to 1-2 feet deep in wind-blown new snow will be likely today in exposed terrain, especially along ridgelines.  Avoid wind-loaded slopes.  Dry loose avalanches will be possible in steep wind-sheltered terrain where the new snow sits atop a firm crust.  

This forecast is sponsored by Brooks Painting 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    5-7" of new snow has fallen in the Northern Wallowas since Monday.  Recent moderate to strong winds have blown from the Southeast, South, and Southwest and have transported this snow onto leeward aspects along ridgelines and exposed terrain.  Look for signs of wind-stiffened snow in your travels today such as cracking around your skis or machine and rippled, pillow-like features.  Find small unconsequential test slopes to ride or walk across to test the sensitivity of wind slabs.  Avoid areas that are wind-loaded in terrain greater than 30 degrees.  

  • Loose Dry

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    In terrain steeper than 35 degrees that has been sheltered from the wind, Dry loose avalanches are possible today.  The new snow that has fallen since Monday sits above a firm melt-freeze crust that varies in thickness from 2-6".  Where unconsolidated, this new snow could slide on either the firm crust or a density change within the new snow.  A dry loose avalanche could run fast and far and push you over consequential terrain or into a terrain trap such as a gully or creek bed.  Test reactivity of the new loose snow using small test slopes.  

    example of dry loose avalanches in steep terrain. 

    Photo: Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The Northern Wallowas have seen a nice new coat of white paint.  Snow water equivalent totals since Monday have been in the .5" range, with snow totals around 5-8".  The primary problem for the day will be wind slabs in wind-loaded terrain and dry loose avalanches in steep wind-sheltered terrain.   

There have not been any recent observations of reactive buried surface hoar in the Northern Wallowas as we have been seeing in the Southern Wallowas and Elkhorn regions.  That being said, before committing to steep consequential terrain on the north half of the compass, you should dig down 4 feet in the snowpack to look for any lingering persistent weak layers.  Test these layers with a snowpack test, and if you have uncertainty, choose more simple terrain less than 30 degrees.  

Excitement is abundant with the return of winter and many people are frothing for some more powder turns.  Use a conservative mindset, make a travel plan with wide margins, and always utilize safe travel techniques such as only exposing one rider on slopes at a time, keeping eyes on them, and regrouping in zones that limit your exposure.  

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