Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist throughout our forecast area.  Variable snow surface conditions exist, and you should be prepared with the correct equipment to navigate challenging conditions.  Stay alert for cornices along ridgelines and isolated pockets of small wet loose avalanches around rocks in terrain that is above 35 degrees during the heat of the day.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The chances of triggering an avalanche today are unlikely, but if you were to find an avalanche problem out there, it would be a small wet loose avalanche in steep (over 35 degree) rocky terrain that is at mid or lower elevation on a Southeast through Southwest aspect.  Observations have been slim on signs of wet loose activity over the first part of the week across the range.  This is due to cold clear nights allowing for a solid refreeze combined with the early-mid winter lower sun angle throughout the days.   In my travels yesterday on Southeast and South aspects, I found a softening surface in places, but no wet snow was being released out of ski turns on South aspects in the afternoon.  I saw minor evidence of previous rollerballs- see photo below. 

    (1/26/2022) null Photo: cm

Avalanche Discussion

Spin the wheel and see what you get for a snow surface....we got it all.   Windboard, breakable melt freeze crusts, areas that hold the exposed 1/6 rain crust, dappled soft wind textured snow, and yes, even the elusive pockets of preserved soft (but weakening) snow.  The great weather above the inversion has made for some excellent days in the mountains lately, however travel can be tricky over some of these snow surfaces, and I found my ski crampons to be very helpful yesterday while navigating across south facing terrain that held a firm melt freeze crust.  Be cautious when committing to terrain where a slip and fall could cause a long consequential slide.  Be cautious of cornices along ridgelines, especially during the heat of the day when they tend to be weaker.  

These times of high pressure offer a great opportunity to take a surface inventory to see onto what our next storm will deposit new snow. 

  • Melt freeze crusts on Southerly and Westerly aspects will create a perfect sliding surface for new snow avalanches once we get a decent storm. 
  • In protected shady terrain, observers are finding a weakening (faceting) snow surface and in places large surface hoar has been observed even mixed in with some graupel snow (see photo below).  These surfaces will  be a weak layer moving forward once a load is introduced. 
  • In the Western Wallowas and Elkhorns we will still be tracking the 1/6 rain crust that is now 6-10" from the snow surface in places- although you can see its shine on the surface where this snow has been blown clean.  We still haven't seen well defined facets around this crust in many locations
  • The 1/20 crust that formed last week is either on the surface or buried 6" below the surface.  Observers have seen faceting snow around this crust.  This will be a weak layer moving forward.  
  • There are also many places that hold wind stiffened snow deposited mostly on South and East aspects in exposed terrain near and above treeline.  

Check out the recent observations from around the range here. 

Let us know what you are seeing out there! Submit an observation here.  

Mark your calendars for the Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival.  Join WAC  February 5-6th at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for two days of festivities.  We are pleased to announce the return of the Kip Rand Memorial uphill/downhill race starting at 8 am on February 5th up at the ski area.  Participants can register for the race here.  After the race, we are offering two clinics starting at 10 am and 1 pm, taught by WAC staff.  More information on the events for the weekend can be found here.

Thanks to all of the local generosity, the return of the Online Auction is back!  All proceeds will help cover the cost of avalanche forecasting this winter Make sure to check it out here. 

Regions covered