Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Fresh slabs of wind drifted snow will become sensitive to the weight of a rider near and above the treeline.   Look for signs of wind slab formation, such as large pillows, dune-like formations, shooting cracks, and cornices.  Use terrain margins, such as sticking to well-supported slopes and ridgelines.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With a storm approaching this am winds will increase from the Southwest, loading fresh wind slabs onto N-E facing slopes.   There is a lot of light, fluffy snow available for transport, and these wind slabs could grow rapidly.   Stick to sheltered terrain, where the presence of wind slabs and the likelihood of triggering a slab is less likely.  If you observe drifting snow, dune-like formations, cornice growth, shooting cracks, etc you are observing characteristics of a wind slab.   

Avalanche Discussion

Digging into the snowpack in the Southern Wallowas on 12/17 revealed 4 feet of snow at 7,000'.   The majority of the snowpack was from the storms that started on 12/11 through earlier this week.  We were pleased to find a strong snowpack structure and good cohesion among the new snow interfaces.  There was a limited amount of old snow from the fall that was hanging around near the ground level, but it was strengthening and not cause for concern in the locations we dug into the snow.  

Our greatest concern yesterday was the early season snow conditions and the likelihood of running into down logs, stumps, rocks, open water, etc.  We are very excited about winter, but you don't want to put yourself on the injured list or damage your equipment.  This is a great time to start tracking the seasonal snowpack and get out to do some rescue practice.  

Regions covered