Generally safe avalanche conditions exist at Anthony Lakes. Confidence is lower elsewhere in the Elkhorns due to lack of observations. If you see shooting cracks, stiff harder surfaces or wind-blown snow, choose low angle terrain.
Avalanche danger has been rated Low, below treeline, due to a lack of snow.
This forecast is sponsored by M. CROW general store of Lostine, OR.
Older windslabs have turned unreactive, but fresh snow may get blown into slabs up to 1 foot thick by the end of today. Seek low angle terrain if you see shooting cracks or the snow feels suddenly stiff or supportive under your equipment.
(12/24/2025)
At 8100' NE. Visual clues like this carved texture are a heads up for windslabs.
Photo: Tom Whipple
What's this? An unopened present beneath the tree? The same Christmas poem as yesterday?
Though we wished for Polar Expresses of delightful snow,
We instead received Pineapple Expresses all in a row.
The Atmospheric Rivers turned on their taps,
Sadly with rain to the peaks of the Eagle Caps.
Yet as our Cascadian neighbors know,
Throughout the season,
This water helps our overall stability grow.
Conditions: Cooling and new snow will improve riding moving forward. Continue to watch for creek holes and open water, stumps and rocks. Today and through the weekend, especially in the Wallowas, please send observations regarding the 12/18 rain crust, now buried 1' deep or more. Which aspects and elevations have it? Which ones don't? How thick
New resources for 2025/2026
Avalanche Courses: The WAC provides avalanche education specifically for both backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Check out all of our courses here.
Observations:
Submit an observation here. Let's paint this picture together. An observation can be just that- a picture. It doesn't have to use any technical wording or snow nerd acronyms. Just explain where you went and what you saw. Submitting observations through the Avy App has made it incredibly easy to help paint the picture for forecasters and recreational users.
