Northern Wallowas

A variety of surface conditions will be found, ranging from firm crusts to soft sugary snow, depending on aspect and elevation.  Shaded, wind-sheltered areas are the best places to find soft snow.  Use caution on steep, firm slopes, as you could lose traction on foot, ski, or machine.  

Today's forecast is sponsored by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.  

Snow conditions:

Exposed upper elevations hold a mixed bag of surface crusts, soft but weak surface snow, and old wind-stiffened snow. Clear, cold nights and a strong temperature gradient in the snowpack have weakened (or faceted) the upper snow surface on mid- and upper-elevation shady aspects (good riding). On sunny aspects, a sometimes-supportable melt-freeze crust exists (less good).  Large (20-60mm, 1-2") surface hoar has been observed growing near creeks and water bodies.  

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 the 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.) Shallower total snowpack depths (less than 4 feet) exist AND 

2.) The 12/18 crust near the ground is a series of breakable crusts with weak/faceted snow in between the crusts. 

This is unlikely to be an issue while we wait out our January drought, but this structure will be our foundation when we get our next storm.   

Recent Observations:  Help reduce uncertainty and let us know what you are seeing in your backcountry travels:  Submit an observation here.  

 

Upcoming Events:  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.  

AVALANCHE RESCUE AND EDUCATION COURSE

The WAC is hosting an Avalanche Rescue and Education Course on Sunday, February 8th, at 9:00 AM at Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park. Open to skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and anyone interested in learning more about avalanche safety and practicing companion rescue skills. This course is donation-based, and we encourage you to contribute whatever you feel is appropriate. Help spread that word so anyone who would like to attend can!

Fill out the registration form here if you would like to attend.  

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.