Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind-drifted snow will form sensitive slabs that should be avoided on or around slopes >30 degrees, including runout zones.  Signs of wind-affected snow include dune-like formations, drifts, plumes, and cornice growth.  The best way to avoid triggering one of these avalanches is to stick to slopes less than 30 degrees.

It is with profound sadness that we report an avalanche fatality occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Northern Elkhorns. Our backcountry community is small and understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.  An accident report will be forthcoming in the next few days.  A preliminary report can be found below in the forecast discussion.

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds picked up overnight and will continue today, primarily from the South-Southwest.  With plenty of snow available for transport you should expect wind-drifted snow to accumulate and form into a sensitive slab.   The most common signs of wind-stiffened snow are visual including, dune-like formations, drifts, cornice growth, and plumes.  On and around the ridgeline you may notice the snow has been removed, oftentimes down to an old crust layer and re-deposited onto another slope.  If you suspect a slope has been wind-loaded it's best to avoid the slope, including traveling in the runout zone of slopes greater than 30 degrees.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Warm temperatures above freezing are in the forecast today.  The cloud cover may help limit the wet loose activity, but it shouldn't be ruled out.  If you observe roller balls, pinwheels, or wet saturated snow it's time to avoid traveling on suspect slopes.  A wet loose may not be enough to bury you, but could push you into dangerous terrain.  

Avalanche Discussion

No danger rating has been issued for the lowest elevation band in the Blues (3000'-4000') due to the lack of snow in that zone. If we receive significant low elevation snow we will begin forecasting for that zone again.

 

Avalanche Fatality on Gunsight Mountain in the Elkhorn Mountians on 3/6/24

At approximately 4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 6th, an avalanche accident occurred on the north side of Gunsight Mountain (8342′) in the Elkhorn Mountains near Anthony Lakes.  

We are deeply saddened to announce that Nick Burks passed away due to trauma after triggering an avalanche while backcountry skiing with a friend.  Nick was a highly respected snow safety professional and worked for the Wallowa Avalanche Center as an educator and forecaster.  A full investigation and report will be forthcoming in the coming days.  Our backcountry community is small and we understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

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