Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Time since our last snowfall is improving the stability of the snowpack, but triggering a wind slab remains a possibility today at upper elevations. Look out for wind-textured snow surfaces, large mounds of drifted snow, or snow that feels stiff and hollow; these could be lingering wind slabs. If you see these clues, or experience shooting cracks around you as you travel, avoid steep, unsupported, or rocky slopes at high ridgelines.

Today's forecast is sponsored by Baum Smith Attorneys at Law in La Grande, OR.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    New snow and consistent winds from earlier this week have led to natural and human-triggered avalanche activity in the Northern Wallowas. Stability will improve with time, but you should remain cautious and aware as you travel in the mountains, especially if you plan to go into very steep, alpine terrain.

    You are unlikely to see large amounts of wind-transported snow throughout today, so look for drifts, dunes, textured snow, or snow that feels stiff and hollow to identify lingering wind slabs. Be wary of steep, ridgeline start zones and step away from avalanche terrain if you notice any signs of instability.

    (2/10/2026) Photo: Caleb Merrill

    Natural wind slab that released earlier this week in the Wing Ridge area.

Avalanche Discussion

Current State of the Snowpack: We have received our first snow in weeks, and so far, the only instability we have seen has been new snow problems (wind slab and loose snow) in the top of our snowpack. This bodes well for now, however, forecasters and observers are still finding concerning structure with facets sandwiched between the melt-freeze crusts from 1/3, and now 2/8. We have not witnessed any avalanches on these layers, and snow stability tests have not yielded any propagation or sudden results, which can indicate stability. However, as the new snow settles into a more cohesive slab, and as we get more snow through the next week, we should be cautious before stepping out into extreme terrain and pause to see how the snowpack handles the additional load.

Observations: If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and greatly help the forecasters. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well.  

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

Upcoming Events:  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.  

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