Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A likely overnight hard freeze in all zones has decreased the avalanche danger.  Expect small wet snow avalanches on aspects with solar heating.  This hazard changes rapidly, so start early and be prepared to spin on your objective if you miss your opportunity.  

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Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Many wet loose have already run, but with continued high daytime temps, these avalanches would begin in steep southeast facing terrain and follow the sun around to west aspects by the end of the day. Warm air temperatures may also melt the snow surface on north facing aspects near treeline and below. Signs that the snow surface is melting and losing cohesion include roller balls, pinwheels, and small point releases. Loose wet avalanches usually start small and increase in size and frequency - if you observe signs of loose wet activity move to lower angle terrain without overhead hazard. 

    (2/28/2025)

    Previous D1 natural avalanche on SCS access road.  This avalanche involving wet snow is still possible in the Blues.  

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Observations:  Yesterday in the N Wallowas, binoculars were the tool of choice to observe this large or very large slab avalanche from the past week.  There were also fewer and smaller cornices than expected on Chief Joseph and Wing Ridge.  

Skiers from this week in the Halfway and Burger Butte areas of the S Wallowas found soft slabs (12-18") and small to large wet loose avalanches that naturally released from Sunday/Monday's rain-on-snow event.  Significantly, there has been only 1 crown reported in the 3-4' range or very large (D3+) debris piles that would indicate a persistent slab avalanche on our January facets layer.  As a result of this general lack of activity under major loading, we have decided to move our persistent slab problem to "dormant" or unlisted.  

What to do:  A wide mix of surface conditions and riding qualities exists in all zones.  Avoiding the avalanche problem and seeking the best snow quality are often related.  Timing and aspect choice are your top tools today, so plan your day so you can move off of and out from under steep sunny terrain by early afternoon.

On Friday 2/28, there was a snowmobiler fatality in the Methow area  of the North Cascades.  Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.  

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