Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow continue to form in upper elevations near ridgelines.  These small windslabs are different ages, so their sensitivity varies.  Continue to avoid terrain traps such as gullies, or trees/cliffs that would boost your trauma if caught in an avalanche.  

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Near ridgelines at upper elevations, windslabs continue to form in multiple generations from this week.  To alert you to them, look for actively blowing snow, rippled texture, or stiffer snow that supports your boards or machines.   Check each isolated terrain feature for wind-effect.  

    (1/7/2025)

    Wind scouring near a ridgeline on China cap.  Cornices show dominant winds from right to left, but this texture shows recent winds left to right.  

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, we saw Moderate winds and blowing snow on a ridge at 7600' in the Southern Wallowas.   Most windslabs you encounter are from earlier this week and have stabilized, but that should not keep you from assessing them on each terrain feature.  If clear skies today produce more solar radiation than expected, the snow turns sticky, or you see rollerballs, get out from below sunny slopes over 30 degrees.  

Observers in the Elkhorns on Mon and Tues (1/6-1/7) found shallow windslabs that were not reactive and saw no new avalanches since the weekend.  

If you get out today, please share what surface conditions you find, such as crusts or surface hoar.  This is always helpful to know, especially before new snow buries that layer.  Thank you for all the observations; the trend is increasing from past years!

Good sliding or riding on soft snow can be found on shady or low-angle aspects today.   Visibility and stability are good, so take advantage.  

Regions covered