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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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist for the Blue mountains of Northeast Oregon today. As temperatures go above freezing by late morning, small wet loose snow avalanches are possible on solar aspects steeper than 35 degrees. If you choose to recreate on steep terrain today, plan to get on it early and be prepared to move off of and out from underneath it when (or if) it starts exhibiting signs of instability. Signs of instability include the observance of sun balls on the snow surface, the observance of wet sluffs on steep terrain, and sinking down into the snow above your ankles.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Sun and above freezing temperatures are forecasted for the Blues today. By late morning/early afternoon  the surface snow on southeast, south, and southwest facing slopes should be softening , weakening, and showing signs of instability. The signs of instability, or red flags, include roller balls/sun balls on the snow surface and wet loose sluffs or point releases on steep terrain, especially near or just below rocky features. While traveling through the snow today if you notice you are sinking into the wet snow deeper than your boot tops, this is another warning signal that it is time to head for lower angle slopes less than 35 degrees in steepness. 

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