Today expect to see wind drifted snow in mid to upper elevations, along with potential loose wet snow below treeline. Wind slabs are most likely to be encountered on N-E facing slopes. The Wet Loose problem could occur on all aspects with rain on snow. Stay alert to changing conditions throughout the day and if you observe unstable conditions stick to lower angle terrain.
Forecast presented by @onxbackcountry. onX Backcountry is a GPS navigation and mapping tool designed with your backcountry objectives in mind, equipped with Avalanche Forecast and Slope Angle layers, Offline Maps and more.
New snow today and winds could increase the chances of triggering a wind slab avalanche. The most likely location to encounter a wind slab today is mid and upper elevations predominately on N-E-facing slopes. If you observe snow blowing on or near ridgelines, see dune-like formations, or feel drum-like snow you are encountering a wind slab. Stick to lower angle terrain and avoid wind-loaded features.
Wet loose activity could be enhanced today with rain on snow. The freezing level in the Southern Wallowas is around 6,100' today dropping in the late afternoon. Keep an eye out for roller balls and pinwheels. Avoid traveling under steep slopes > 35 degrees, especially if they end in terrain traps or other exposed locations.
Today in the Southern Wallowas the highs are expected to be around 30 degrees, with light winds and moderate gusts from the southwest. Some thunder is also possible. Expect snow showers today mainly after 11:00 am between 2-4 inches of snow. Temperatures will be around freezing for most of the day and then start to decrease in the late afternoon and drop into the teens overnight and into tomorrow. Winds will also continue to increase throughout the day moving from southwest to north northwest. Expect to see moderate winds and strong gusts overnight and into Sunday. Snow showers will continue into the evening mainly before 11:00 pm with an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow possible. With freezing levels dropping below 1,000' feet overnight and winds picking up expect to see wind chill values in the negatives. We continue to see an interesting upper snowpack in all zones with multiple rain crust, melt-freeze crusts, windswept slopes, and wind-loaded slopes. We are also encountering that time of year with rain and snow, warm temperatures, and freezing levels to the valley floor all in a few days. It is important to continue to watch for changing conditions and choose your terrain wisely.
