Elkhorns

Today it will be possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Fresh wind slabs will continue to grow especially near and above the treeline.  Look for signs such as shooting cracks, collapsing of the snowpack, and poor bonding to steer you towards lower-angle terrain.  

If the incoming storm arrives before nightfall, avalanche danger will also rise. 

This forecast is sponsored by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.  

Weekend Weather:  Forecasts indicate a powerful storm set to arrive Friday afternoon and last until Saturday evening.  The Elkhorns are going to get a good shot of snow, with totals around 18" with 1.55" of SWE.   Moderate to strong winds will also be a factor.  Assuming the snow and wind that are predicted come to fruition, the avalanche danger will rapidly rise.  

Scholarships:  Through the support of local businesses including Winding Waters River Expeditions, Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, The Avalanche Hour Podcast and the WAC we are currently offering submissions for 2 Motorized and 2 Non-Motorized scholarships.  These scholarships are to honor our avalanche forecasters Kip Rand and Nick Burks.  Submissions are due by December 15th, and if you've already signed up for a course with the WAC and receive a scholarship we'll refund your money.  You can apply the scholarship to an AIARE 1, 2, or rescue course offered by the WAC this winter.  Kip Rand Application Nick Burks Motorized Application 

Snowpack Observations:  It's a wise decision to measure snow depths as you're getting out, identify crusts, and look for strong snow over weak snow.  You'll only be able to gather this information if you slow down, pull out your probe, and shovel, or at least dig a hasty pit with your hand or snowmobile track.  Without taking some time to determine what's going on beneath you, how will you ever know if the slopes you are traveling on, or underneath is safe?  Please also send us your observations and use #wallowaavalanchecenter.   Here is a recent observation from the Southern Wallowas, where a group of snowmobilers had a cornice collapse and trigger a small wind slab.  WAC Forecaster Victor McNeil also had an Observation from the Southwest Wallowas here.  

Scholarships:  Through the support of local businesses including Winding Waters River Expeditions, Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, The Avalanche Hour Podcast and the WAC we are currently offering submissions for 2 Motorized and 2 Non-Motorized scholarships.  These scholarships are to honor our avalanche forecasters Kip Rand and Nick Burks.  Submissions are due by December 15th, and if you've already signed up for a course with the WAC and receive a scholarship we'll refund your money.  You can apply the scholarship to an AIARE 1, 2, or rescue course offered by the WAC this winter.  Kip Rand Application Nick Burks Motorized Application 

Avalanche Awareness Presentations: 

• December 12th, 6 PM Outlaw Motorsports in Enterprise: Join WAC Forecasters in Enterprise for a Motorized Specific Avalanche Awareness night.  Bring your avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag) as this will be a hands-on learning opportunity.  
• Blue Mountain Outfitters La Grande: Date TBD
• December 19th, 5 PM Barley Browns Taproom: Join WAC Forecaster and EOU Professor Kelly McNeil as she presents her latest research projects combining Public Health and Avalanche Education.