Lawinenlagebericht

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
4 · Gross
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Natural avalanches from extreme wind loading are likely today, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.  Mid and upper-elevation terrain will be getting hammered by the wind, and travel into these locations is not advised.  If you have plans to get out, stick to low-angle terrain at lower elevations, and do not travel below avalanche paths.  

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club.  

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Sustained strong to extreme winds will continue to form fresh, reactive wind slabs that a person is very likely to trigger, and in some areas, natural avalanches are likely. Look for blowing snow, textured surfaces, and pillow or lens-like deposits, and avoid steep slopes where you see any of these signs.  Fresh wind loading may increase the chances of triggering a high-consequence persistent slab avalanche on steep open slopes.

    There is a significant amount of light snow that is available for transport and wind slabs could easily be 1-2' thick or more.  With the intensity of the wind, you may observe wind loading further downslope than expected.  Winds can behave erratically, loading slopes in multiple orientations.  It's best to avoid this hazard altogether, especially knowing we have much weaker snow buried 2-4' below the snow surface.  

    Photo: SD

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    The persistent slab problem will get a good test over the next several days, and you don't want to be the test subject.  We have weak snow, buried 2-4' below the snow surface, and although we haven't seen much activity on these January Facets it doesn't mean they should be written off.  Unfortunately, you probably won't receive any feedback before it's too late.   It's easier to rely on shooting cracks, whumpfing, and natural avalanches to deter us from stepping out onto slopes that are tempting.  You can dig down and assess the various snow layers, and you may not receive alarming test results, but some of the best in the business don't ski or ride slopes greater than 30 degrees when they know the slope has a persistent weak layer, with a slab above!  

    (2/8/2025) Photo: Kevin Cassidy

Avalanche Discussion

When the weather becomes erratic, so does the snowpack.  Over the next several days we are going to see some Red Flags, with moderate to strong winds, new snowfall and a rising snow level.  The January Facets haven't really come alive, but each time we have a significant weather change they are back on the table.  This is a good time to hit the reset button on the way you view terrain that maybe you've been riding in, on, or around.  If you are visiting this region for the first time this winter, spend some time digging into the snow and look for strong snow, overriding soft or weak snow.  

Please send us your observations, which can include photos from your house of blowing snow in the mountains.  

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