Elkhorns

Avalanches remain unlikely today. Monitor the snow surface in steep terrain facing the sun, and move to low angle terrain if these slopes become wet and saturated. 

This forecast is sponsored by The Trailhead in Baker City, OR.

Loose wet avalanche activity has tapered during the slight cooling trend. Clear skies and long nights are allowing the snowpack to freeze in most locations, and a low sun angle is dampening the amount of heat that the snow surface absorbs during the afternoon hours. Soft settled snow can still be found in sheltered areas on northerly aspects. These slope are starting to show minor faceting at the surface, despite the above freezing air temperatures. 

The current stability brings with it an asterisk. Poor snowpack structure has been found in several mid and upper elevation locations in the Wallowas and Elkhorns. Of particular note is the 1/3 crust buried about a foot down in the Elkhorns where melt-freeze crusts are surrounded by small facets. Forecasters have observed unsettling but inconsistent test results on this layer and have not seen it produce natural or human-triggered avalanches.

If you plan to travel into large or consequential terrain, it is always prudent to take the time to dig and assess the snowpack structure. If you find a consolidated slab of snow over a softer layer, it may be a reason to dial back your terrain choices.

14th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival Jan 30-Feb 1

Friday, January 30th: HQ (110 Depot Street) in La Grande, Pie auction and ski flick!  Doors open at 5:30 PM, Pie Auction at 6:30, and the movie starts at 7:00. Matchstick Productions film "After the Snowfall" at HQ in La Grande. Tickets are $15 at the door; kids are free. If you would like to bring a pie or dessert, email Rex Stanley, [email protected] 

Saturday, January 31st: Join us at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for a full day of activities. Kip Rand memorial race kicks off at 8 AM, followed by a Companion Rescue Clinic at 10 AM and a Snow Science Clinic at 1 PM. We'll have a raffle and live auction in the main lodge in conjunction with music from High Pine Whiskey Yell later in the afternoon.  (You must pre-register for the race and clinics.)

Sunday, February 1st:  Tour with the WAC forecasters and staff. You must pre-register to attend, and spots are limited.  

Volunteers and raffle/auction items needed:  If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. We are always looking for items to raffle and auction, and they don't have to relate directly to skiing or snowmobiling.  Please reach out if you have an item you'd like to donate.  

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.