Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at mid and upper elevations as significant new snow has been blown into sensitive slabs.   It will be very likely to trigger an avalanche on wind-loaded slopes, and steep wind-sheltered areas could hold storm slab instabilities.   Careful terrain evaluation will be critical to staying safe in the mountains today.  Great riding conditions will exist on lower-angled slopes that are sheltered from the wind.  

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    It will be very likely for a rider to trigger a wind slab avalanche in exposed terrain at mid and upper elevations today.  The most likely places to find these wind slabs will be on W-N-E aspects along ridgelines, but localized wind loading patterns could load additional aspects and mid-slope features.   You could likely see evidence of natural avalanche activity along leeward ridgelines today.  It will be wise to evaluate any exposed terrain for sensitive wind slabs.  Look for clues such as actively blowing snow, a rippled or dune-like look to the snow surface, cracking around your equipment, and corniced ridgelines.   Avoid areas that harbor fresh wind slabs. Utilize small test slopes that lack consequence to test the reactivity of wind slabs.  

    (3/15/2025)

    Wind loaded slope under a large cornice in the Southern Wallowas

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

  • Storm Slabs

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

    In wind-sheltered areas where rapid loading of new snow occurs, be aware of the possibility of storm slab instabilities.  These storm slabs will be most likely if you are experiencing snowfall rates of 1-2" per hour for several consecutive hours.   As temperatures and snow levels rise today, we may receive heavier snow on top of lighter-density snow.   This will help to create an "upside down" layer of snow and may become more sensitive.  You can utilize small test slopes, look for cracking around your equipment, and dig hand pits to assess the bonding of storm snow to mid-storm interfaces.   If you see signs of instability, seek out lower-angled terrain, stay out from underneath avalanche path runouts, and don't ride above terrain traps such as gullies, creek beds, cliffs, or dense trees.

    (1/11/2024)

    Touchy Storm Slabs failing on a density change in the new snow. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

The series of storms that started on Wednesday has brought a much-needed refresh to Oregon's Northeastern Mountains.  2-3' of new snow has fallen in favored locations and has been accompanied by moderate winds with stronger gusts out of the W, SW, and SE.   Heavy snowfall and additional wind today will make it very likely for a rider to trigger an avalanche in steep, exposed terrain.  

This storm snow is sitting on a variety of crusts that could serve as an excellent bed surface (sliding surface) for an avalanche.  Any avalanche that is triggered on a crust is expected to run fast and far today.   Yesterday, there were plenty of signs of developing instabilities in the upper snowpack.  Cracking, small natural avalanches, and observations of wind loading were all telltale signs.  Check out some observations from various zones yesterday:  Elkhorns, Western Wallowas, and Southern Wallowas

A brief shot of clear skies in the morning allowed skiers at the Norway yurt to see a couple D2 slab avalanches that released on the East side of Cornucopia.   A D1 storm slab avalanche was reported to be triggered in the Western Wallowas, and a rider north of our forecast zone in the Blues reported an intentionally triggered wind slab on a test slope that broke up to 18" deep. 

It will be wise to cultivate a mindset where you are stepping back in your terrain selection.   Excellent riding will be found in wind-sheltered terrain on low-angle slopes.  If you decide to head into the mountains today, it will be paramount to be on your best behavior:  Expose only one person at a time, keep eyes on your partners, and regroup well clear of avalanche path runouts.   Keep clear lines of communication open with your partners, respect the veto power of someone who wants to dial it back, and be clear with your intentions.  

Engage with your backcountry community and forecasters.   Submit an observation here and help us reduce uncertainty.  It can be simple, short, and even anonymous.  Thank you! 

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