Boletín de aludes

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sat
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 2 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Winds increased yesterday afternoon and are forecast to continue today, which will elevate the danger at upper elevations to moderate.  If you find surface snow that's been stiffened by the wind avoid steep slopes with dangerous runnouts.  

This forecast is sponsored by Robert Brooks Painting in La Grande, OR 

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    Winds picked up in the Wallowas and Elkhorns yesterday afternoon and overnight.  This trend is supposed to continue today with moderate winds out of the NW.  With clear skies, it should be pretty easy to spot drifting snow.  If you're getting into the upper elevations and you feel the snow beneath you has been stiffened by the wind, you've found our avalanche problem.  Wind slabs can also appear as drifts and dune-like formations.  

    Most backcountry travelers would probably agree that riding terrain that's been affected by the wind isn't that fun.  So if you're looking for the highest quality riding experience, where the safest conditions will also be found seek out more sheltered mid-elevation terrain.  If the inner adventurer inside you demands you get to the top of a peak or ridgeline, just keep an eye out for changing snow conditions, as wind slabs can break above you.  

    (1/16/2025)

    Obvious signs of wind drifting at the ridgeline.  

    Photo: Victor McNeil

Avalanche Discussion

How is the clear and cold weather affecting our snowpack:

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.

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