Lawinenlagebericht

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Complex avalanche conditions are developing. Human triggered avalanches are likely at upper elevations from new snow, and old snow is beginning to show signs of instability. Avoid steep terrain and use careful route selection. Avalanche likelihood and size will increase as you gain elevation.  

Today's forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    About a foot and a half of new snow fell earlier this week, and as it settles and consolidates, it will develop into a slab that will take time to bond to the snow below. As you travel through the mountains, be on the lookout for cracking in the snow surface, which is an indicator that the new snow is creating a cohesive slab that could lead to a more destructive avalanche.

    Today is also a good day to do mitt-pitts or hand shears, where you isolate a small block of snow about 1.5 feet deep using your poles or hands, then try to push the snow to see if it is loose and unconsolidated or if it forms an intact slab (see examples in the Media Galley below). If you see evidence of slab formation, avoid travelling on steep terrain.

    (2/15/2026)

    Cracks in the snow surface like this are an early indicator of storm slab avalanches. If you see these signs, stay off of steep terrain.

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Beneath the new storm snow, the situation gets more complicated. The Elkhorns have received over 2 feet of snow since February 8th, ending the January drought and burying a layer of facets. These facets are becoming reactive in snowpack tests, meaning a skier, snowmobiler, or smaller avalanche could trigger this weak layer and cause a larger and more destructive avalanche.

    Persistent slabs do not always show signs of instability before releasing. Collapses, whumpfs, and shooting cracks are a tell-tale sign of instability, but their absence does not guarantee safe conditions. Give steep terrain a wide margin this week and avoid travelling on or beneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees until we get more information on how this weak layer is handling the new load of snow.

    (2/18/2026) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

    Weak snow beneath the 2/8 crust is starting to show failures in our stability tests.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations: If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and greatly help the forecasters. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well. 

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

 

Upcoming Events:  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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