Elkhorns

Low danger does not mean no danger.  Watch for unstable snow in isolated terrain, such as steep sunny slopes or high alpine features with wind-blown snow.  If you see these rapid changes, seek terrain under 30 degrees.  

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This is the first day we have gone to Low danger at all elevations since December 6th.  Since our last recorded snowfall on Jan 11th, we have not had rapid changes in the weather, other than mild to downright hot temperatures.  This has allowed the snowpack to settle and gain strength overall.  Continue to avoid terrain traps and if you sink above your ankles into wet snow, move to terrain under 30 degrees, or the shade.  

Observers from the last week in the Northern Wallowas mentioned old windslabs gaining strength, wet surface snow (potential for Wet Loose problem) and settlement.  They found the 1/3/25 rain crust 4" down and 1-2" thick in lower elevations, disappearing above 6500'.  Folks in both the Northern and Southern Wallowas zones and the Elkhorns failed to find buried surface hoar, one of our objectives.  

Today's surface snow could be tomorrow's (or next week's) weak layer.  Today or through the weekend, please let us know the surface conditions you find on what aspect and elevation: crusts, sugary faceted snow that bounces in your hand, or surface hoar.  If you get into upper-elevation terrain take a moment to look for the Jan. 3rd rain crust, and measure how deeply it's buried, how hard it is, and its thickness.  If you feel faceted (sugar snow) forming above/below the crust, let us know. 

Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival-Bid on the Online Auction Now!!!

Join us for the 13th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival January 31-February 2nd. 

• Jan. 31: Ski Film and Pie Auction @HQ in La Grande.  Doors open 6:00 PM Adults $10, Kids $5.  Come watch the new Matchstick Film Calm Beneath Castles and bid on pies and other desserts.  If you would like to bring a dessert for the auction please arrive at 6:00 PM.  
• Feb. 1: Kip Rand Backcountry Race (Anthony Lakes) Race starts at 8 AM, show up at 7:45.  Companion Rescue Clinic 10 AM, Snow Pack Obs Clinic 1 PM.  Live music by Wanderlust 3:30 PM Main Lodge with raffle.  (You must show up 15 min early for clinics and race at EOBF tent on S. Side of Rental shop.)
• Feb 2: Tour with WAC Staff:  Ski tour into Angell Basin to better understand how to safely travel in avalanche terrain.  Please consider purchasing raffle tickets, bidding on an auction item, or donating $50 to the Wallowa Avalanche Center if you are planning to attend this tour.