Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Above freezing temperatures have limited snow accumulation and prevented snow transport by wind. While avalanches are unlikely, watch for signs of the wind moving snow in isolated terrain features if you travel above 8000'.  

This forecast is sponsored by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides in La Grande. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We've all heard it before: low danger does not mean no danger. Given the recent temperatures any new snow that fell most likely fell as a saturated rain/snow mixture that the wind was unable to move. It is not impossible that dry snow accumulated in the very high terrain in the interior of the Wallowas, and while this area is not frequently travelled, there may be isolated terrain features above 8000-9000' with a small wind slab or two. If you visit this terrain today pay attention to new snow amounts and wind redistribution. Avoid avalanche terrain if you observe shooting cracks or see/feel hollow, stiff slabs of new snow. 

    (12/27/2025)

    An example of a terrain feature susceptible to wind loading. 

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

While the snowpack is generally well settled, facets have been observed near the ground in locations where snow from October and November was not completely saturated by rain. These snow grains are notoriously weak and can avalanche when they receive rapid, large loads such as several feet of new snow. The spatial distribution of these facets, particularly the ones directly above the ground, is worth tracking. Currently, the snowpack above these grains contains enough ice that it remains incredibly unlikely for a human to affect this layer, however, should you venture into very high alpine terrain where a thinner, weaker snowpack may exist, consider avoiding shallow rocky areas or high consequence slopes until these grains have had more time to bond. The higher and colder the slope (think north facing terrain), the more likely they are to exist. If you find yourself with the time to dig to the ground in one of these areas, let us know what you find...  

New resources for 2026

Avalanche Courses: The WAC offers avalanche education tailored 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 and where it is.  It doesn't have to use any technical wording or snow nerd acronyms.  Just explain where you went and what you saw (or if you did not see avalanches).   Submitting observations through the Avy App has made it incredibly easy for forecasters and recreational users.

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