Elkhorns

Avalanches remain unlikely today.  Snow has been refreezing well at night, but continue to monitor the snow surface in steep terrain facing the sun, and move to low-angle terrain if these slopes become wet and saturated.

This forecast is sponsored by Brooks Painting. 

Generally Stable Conditions: 

Low avalanche hazard exists today at all elevations.  Monitor the snow surface on warming slopes.  Avoid steep terrain if the top 4-6 inches of the snowpack becomes saturated. 

The ridge of high pressure that has been dominating our region has resulted in a strong temperature inversion.   Throughout the week, lower elevations have been under a thick blanket of valley fog with colder temperatures down low and warmer temperatures at higher elevations.   Want to escape the gloom of the inversion?   Gain some elevation. 

Now is a good time to explore upper elevation terrain:

Be aware that colder temperatures and cloudier skies through the weekend will keep many surfaces firm and slick- especially on previously warmed slopes.  Exposed upper elevations hold a mixed bag of surface crusts, soft but weak surface snow, and wind-stiffened snow that is unlikely to be reactive as a wind slab.   Many ridgelines contain large cornices; be conservative around these.

Be prepared for challenging travel through firm snow.  Consider carrying an ice axe, ski/boot crampons, and know how to self-arrest.   Not into riding firm snow?  There are still slopes facing due North that have been sheltered from the wind that hold soft, dry snow.  

The current snow surface will become a concern once buried: 

Clear, cold nights and a strong temperature gradient in the upper snowpack have weakened (or faceted) the upper six inches of the snow surface on mid- and upper-elevation Northwest, North, and East aspects.  On aspects that face towards the sun (Southeast - South - Southwest - West), a melt freeze crust exists.  

All of the lucky charms are in play here as winter enthusiasts continue to eagerly look to the long-range weather forecast with glimmers of hope.  We will eventually get a pattern change that brings more snow.  Riding conditions will improve, but avalanche hazard will rise once we put a slab of cohesive snow on the current surface.   

Deeper in the snowpack: Concerning snowpack structure exists in the Elkhorns and outlying areas of the Wallowas.   

Specifically, forecasters and observers have been tracking weak snow around the 1/3 crust in Elkhorns.  This can be found one to two feet from the snow surface.  In many places in the Wallowas, the 1/3 interface is marked by a layer of graupel snow.   

The concerning structure in the Wallowas exists where: 1.) you find shallower total snowpack depths (less than 4 feet) AND 2.) the 4-6 inch 12/18 crust near the ground is a series of breakable crusts with weak/faceted snow in between them.  There will be a tipping point for these layers- at some point.  How it will unfold is uncertain.  Stay tuned and hold steady. 

Recent Observations:  Check out recent observations from our four forecast zones.   Help reduce uncertainty and let us know what you are seeing in your backcountry travels:  Submit an observation here.  

• Southern Wallowas
• Northern Wallowas 
• Elkhorns 
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14th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival Jan 30-Feb 1

Friday, January 30th: HQ (110 Depot Street) in La Grande, Pie auction and ski flick!  Doors open at 5:30 PM, Pie Auction at 6:30, and the movie starts at 7:00. Matchstick Productions film "After the Snowfall" at HQ in La Grande. Tickets are $15 at the door; kids are free. If you would like to bring a pie or dessert, email Rex Stanley, [email protected] 

Saturday, January 31st: Join us at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for a full day of activities. Kip Rand memorial race kicks off at 8 AM, followed by a Companion Rescue Clinic at 10 AM and a Snow Science Clinic at 1 PM. We'll have a raffle and live auction in the main lodge in conjunction with music from High Pine Whiskey Yell later in the afternoon.  (You must pre-register for the race and clinics.)

Sunday, February 1st:  Tour with the WAC forecasters and staff. You must pre-register to attend, and spots are limited.  

Volunteers and raffle/auction items needed:  If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. We are always looking for items to raffle and auction, and they don't have to relate directly to skiing or snowmobiling.  Please reach out if you have an item you'd like to donate.  

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.