Lawinenlagebericht

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 7 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Loose wet avalanche activity is tapering and avalanches are unlikely today. Use caution around and underneath extreme terrain facing the sun if you notice rollerballs, pinwheels or very saturated snow. Consider shadier aspects during the afternoon hours to avoid this problem entirely.  

This forecast is sponsored by Quickhatch Provisions in Enterprise, OR. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Avalanche activity is likely tapering after four days of consistently warm, clear weather. A wet-loose avalanche remains a slim possiblity in isolated rocky terrain or steep sunny aspects in the late afternoon hours. Recent temperature inversions may also have prevented refreezing in isolated locations, allowing liquid water to continue to accumulate within the surface snow. Monitor how far you sink into the snow surface and the amount of melting happening throughout the day. If you are sinking more than three inches into the snow, avoid steep slopes facing the sun and be aware of any overhead hazards. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

    Rock bands and cliffs can warm the surrounding snow and are common initiation zones for wet-loose avalanches like this. Give these features plenty of space, particularly later in the day.

Avalanche Discussion

Given the repetitive weather pattern avalanche conditions may seem straight forward, however, we are still wary of some of the crust layers in our snowpack. Concerning structure has been found about a foot down (the 1/3 crust) in the Elkhorns with two thin, melt-freeze crusts sandwiching a layer of weak snow grains. We have gotten unsettling, but inconsistent test results on this layer and have not seen any natural or human-triggered avalanches on this layer as of yet. If you plan to travel into upper elevations or consequential terrain, it is always prudent to take the time to dig and assess the snow structure where you are. If you find a consolidated slab of snow over a softer layer, it may be a reason to dial back your terrain choices. 

Help us paint the picture this week.  Please send us an observation!  Notable information includes what temperatures and snow surface textures you experience, the depth of any crusts, and the hardness of the snow above and below these crusts, as well as the amounts of snow you encounter at various elevations.  

14th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival Jan 30-Feb 1

Friday, January 30th: HQ (110 Depot Street) in La Grande, Pie auction and ski flick!  Doors open at 5:30 PM, Pie Auction at 6:30, and the movie starts at 7:00. Matchstick Productions film "After the Snowfall" at HQ in La Grande. Tickets are $15 at the door; kids are free. If you would like to bring a pie or dessert, email Rex Stanley, [email protected] 

Saturday, January 31st: Join us at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for a full day of activities. Kip Rand memorial race kicks off at 8 AM, followed by a Companion Rescue Clinic at 10 AM and a Snow Science Clinic at 1 PM. We'll have a raffle and live auction in the main lodge in conjunction with music from High Pine Whiskey Yell later in the afternoon.  (You must pre-register for the race and clinics.)

Sunday, February 1st:  Tour with the WAC forecasters and staff. You must pre-register to attend, and spots are limited.  

Volunteers and raffle/auction items needed:  If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. We are always looking for items to raffle and auction, and they don't have to relate directly to skiing or snowmobiling.  Please reach out if you have an item you'd like to donate.  

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.  

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