Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally, stable avalanche conditions exist today in the Wallowas and Elkhorns and the danger rating is LOW.  Small pockets of wind slab can be found today above treeline but will be limited in size as there is not much snow available for transport.  Use caution on steep slopes where your greatest hazard is losing an edge on your skis, snowboard, or snowmobile and ending up in consequential terrain.  

A backcountry traveler was injured below the Gunsight Peak Chute yesterday.  We don't have much information on what occurred or the extent of the injuries.  We do know that losing an edge in steep terrain is a serious concern currently.  Use caution, as many snow surfaces have been blown down to a very firm rain crust.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Winds are forecasted to blow out of the NW-N today, which could build fresh slabs of wind drifted snow near and above the treeline on leeward aspects.  There is a limited amount of light snow available for transport, so I don't anticipate these slabs will get very thick.  If you observe active wind loading or see shooting cracks from your ski tips or snowmobile keep your slopes angles under 30 degrees.  

    Yesterday while traveling in the Western Wallowas we found isolated pockets of Sensitive windslab that were reactive to the weight of a skier.  The depth of these fresh wind slabs varied significantly and was only found in small pockets near the ridgeline.  

Avalanche Discussion

The Wallowas and Elkhorns will see moderate winds from the N-NW today.  Overall it should be a pretty nice day in the mountains, with temperatures staying below freezing and snow levels remaining under 2,600'.  Skies will be partly cloudy.   We have also seen three nights with a hard overnight freeze, which has locked up the snowpack.   A storm is on the horizon for this coming Tuesday, so we will keep our fingers crossed that it produces.  The National Weather Service is calling for 1-1.5' for the Blues and Wallowas, starting on Tuesday.  This week will be much cooler than this past week, with daytime highs staying below freezing above 7,000' across the Wallowas.  

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