Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wind drifted snow at the upper elevations, along with the potential for Wet Loose avalanches near and below treeline will increase the danger to Moderate today.  The Wet Loose problem will occur predominately on S-W aspects in steep terrain around rocks and trees.  Wind slabs have been forming in the alpine on S-E facing slopes.  Stay alert to changing conditions throughout the day, and if you observe Red Flags increase your margins and simplify your plan.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday I traveled in the Southern Wallowas between 3,000'-8,000', and we observed wind transport in the alpine on the high peaks.  Near and below the treeline there was some old wind effect, but the winds were calm.  The greatest risk of triggering a wind slab would be on S-E facing terrain on steep slopes in the alpine.  Wind transported snow is sitting on the Atmospheric River crust from last week, so it may not be bonding very well.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The wet loose activity could be enhanced today if the sun decides to become more of a factor.  The freezing level in the Wallowas is supposed to top out around 4,000', but in the Elkhorns it's forecasted to reach over 5,000'.  Keep an eye out for roller balls and pinwheels, especially forming out of rock gardens and trees.  If the surface snow starts heating up, it's time to look for colder snow, change your aspect and elevation, or avoid traveling on or underneath steep suspect terrain.  

Avalanche Discussion

Today is a bit of a transition day in the mountains.  Temperatures will increase with the oncoming storm that's supposed to reach us on Saturday night.  So far this week we've had below-average daytime highs and snow levels near 0'.  Both of those values will increase today, and we should expect the snowpack to begin to see a change as well.  If you observe any Red Flags, you may need to make adjustments to your plan and look for simpler terrain.  

Yesterday I snowmobiled between the Clear Creek drainage and the East Pine drainage in the Southern Wallowas.  Our highest elevation was 8,000', and it was a beautiful day, with little to no wind near the treeline.  Some plumes of snow were observed on the highest surrounding peaks, drifting snow onto S-E aspects.  We dug a snowpit on a North aspect at 7,500', not far from the Blue Creek Saddle.  Our snowpit revealed a layer of buried surface hoar which was down 44cm (1.5ft) from the surface.  This layer failed on our compression tests with moderate to hard force, and we received a full propagation in our Extended Column Test on the 25th tap.  At this time, the likelihood of human triggering this layer is pretty low, but we hope to get a better read on the distribution of this Persistent Weak layer as it could become more of an issue with future storms or warming events.  Stay Tuned!  

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