Avalanche forecast

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Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The combination of recent new snow, moderate winds, and a firm sliding surface has created the possibility of windslab avalanches on steep leeward north, northeast, northwest, and east facing terrain at all elevations. Carefully evaluate weather, snow conditions, and terrain if you plan to travel or recreate upon slopes steeper than 35 degrees today.

 

Forecast sponsored by Outlaw Motor Sports

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday  (Northern Wallowas), winds out of the south, southwest, and west have been blowing strong enough to create windslab formation on north, northeast, east, and even west facing terrain in some locations. When traveling on terrain steeper than 35 degrees today (all elevations), suspect the possibility that the snow you are recreating upon is a windslab that could be triggered by the weight of a recreationalist. The observance of "shooting cracks" projecting out from skis or snow shoes is a screaming red flag that the snow you are playing on is unstable and could avalanche. Other red flags to watch out for include the observance of large pillow or domelike parcels of snow and hollow sounding snow. The most obvious red flag or warning sign that avalanches are possible is the observance of avalanches like the one that occurred yesterday near Fish Lake (see the photo and caption). When red flags are observed while out in the mountains, it is time to consider taking your recreational activities to terrain lower in angle than 35 degrees. Leeward facing terrain steeper than 35 degrees are the areas most likely to produce human triggered avalanches today. Evaluate the snow, weather , and terrain carefully before venturing out onto these steep, leeward facing slopes. If you're unsure about snow stability, you can always choose lower angle terrain where you  will find plenty of great riding options. Worth mentioning, think about traveling one at a time when crossing or recreating on a slope steep enough to avalanche. Be safe out there and happy new year !

     

    (12/31/2022)

    Photo taken in the Southern Wallowas on Saturday above Fish Lake on a northeast facing slope at about 7100' . Avalanche was triggered by the weight of two snowmobile riders and their sleds. The riders were able to self extricate and exit the area on their own. You can read more about this "close call" in the OBSERVATIONS area of our website. Thanks to the observer who posted the valuable photos and information !

    Photo: Linda Batterton

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–3

    We still have deep persistent weak layers buried  in our snowpack close to the ground. In some places this weak layer is buried by 8' or more of snow. Other areas, generally lower in elevation, the weak layer is 3'-4' under the snow surface (therefore easier to trigger). These shallower areas in the snowpack are places where the recreationalist is most likely to trigger a deep persistent slab avalanche. Today it would be difficult to trigger one of these dangerous types of avalanches, but the consequences of doing so could be very severe. Although the deep persistent weak layer is gaining strength day by day, know that the weak layer still exists near the ground. Keep that in mind today when recreating on terrain steeper than 30 degrees where the snowpack is thin, like near rocky features and near wind scoured ridgelines.

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