Lawinenlagebericht

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Significant new snow and strong winds have created unstable snow conditions.  Wind-drifted snow will continue to develop into larger slabs on Friday, sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider.  The new snow is sitting on a hard ice crust, the perfect sliding surface.  Avoid all steep terrain, especially in areas that have undergone obvious wind loading.

Avalanche danger has been rated Low, below treeline, due to a lack of snow.  

This forecast is sponsored by Wallowa County Search and Rescue.  

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You could easily trigger a large avalanche by traveling in steep wind-loaded terrain. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, recent avalanches, or actively blowing snow are signs of instability. Reduce your risk by avoiding steep terrain on wind-loaded slopes below ridgelines and features ending in terrain traps.  We've just received significant snowfall, along with strong winds.  These wind slabs may rest over slick crusts formed in mid-December. If an avalanche breaks down to these crusts, they could be larger than expected, potentially greater than 2' deep.  Low-angle routes, wind-scoured slopes, or sheltered terrain often provide safer travel options. 

    (3/16/2025) Photo: Victor McNeil

Avalanche Discussion

Extreme Weather:  We just received over 1 foot of new snow in the last 24 hours, accompanied by strong winds.  The Southern Wallowas picked up over 2 feet of snow with 2.5 inches of snow water equivalent.  Winds have not backed off and will continue today.  

Mid-December Crust:  All of the new snow we are receiving is sitting on top of a very firm crust that formed in mid-December.  The new snow will need time to bond to this slick surface.  Triggering an avalanche on this layer could be very consequential.  You would be hard-pressed to self-arrest on this ice layer, whether on your snowmobile, skis, or on foot.   

Travel Advice: Although our enthusiasm for the new snow is high, remember that early-season conditions exist.  Use caution as new snow may be lightly covering rocks, trees, strumps, etc.  If you trigger an avalanche, these obstacles will be trauma boosters.

 New resources for 2025/2026

  • Blog post on gear and brain prep for the season: The Shakedown
  • Fresh out of the tech oven: Avy App. It can save the forecast for offline use and store field observations that upload automatically when back in service. 

Observations: 

 Submit an observation here.  Let's paint this picture together.   An observation can be just that- a picture.  It doesn't have to use any technical wording or snow nerd acronyms.  Just explain where you went and what you saw.   Submitting observations through the Avy App has made it incredibly easy to help paint the picture for forecasters and recreational users.  

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