Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

During the recent atmospheric river event that occurred Tuesday into Wednesday morning the Elkhorn mountains received the smallest amount of precipitation compared to the other mountain ranges in our forecast area.That precipitation came mostly in the form of rain.As temperatures dropped below freezing this morning the rain saturated snow surface froze leaving a 1" rain crust on all aspects up to 8500' . This current condition has had a strengthening effect at the snow surface which has improved overall snowpack stability for today and Friday.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Thursday's weather forecast calls for sunshine and above freezing temperatures. These weather conditions could weaken and destabilize snow on steep and sunny aspects.If you are recreating on or beneath steep(greater than 35 degrees)slopes that face the sun (southeast,south,southwest) watch for signs of instability. Signs of instability include the presence of roller balls on the snow surface and sinking into the snow past the top of your boots. Another sign of instability would be burying your snowmobile into snow that was supporting the weight of the snowmobile earlier in the day when temperatures were below freezing.When the aforementioned signs of weakening snow are observed, it is time to move to shaded north facing slopes or lower the slope angle,or both.

Avalanche Discussion

I ski toured the Northern Elkhorns yesterday.I was on a supportable rain crust from the trailhead at about 7500' all the way to the ridge line at 8500' . I traveled on terrain that faced southeast, northeast,and north.That crust existed on all slopes I traveled across. I assume the sunny aspects had that same supportable crust condition.I dug a test pit at 8200' on an east southeast facing slope at around 12:30. The slope angle was 35 degrees and the snow depth at that location was 220cm (6.5'). I performed an Extended Column Test and did not get my column to fracture (ECTX). I also performed a Compression Test.I got the column to fail using a high amount of force. The fracture occurred about a foot below the snow surface and the shear was planar but resistant (CT25Q2 28cm down).It is worth mentioning that the SRC and associated facets are lurking almost half way down in the snowpack at this location. Below the Solstice Rain Crust was sugar snow (facets) that are showing signs of consolidating and gaining strength. These deep persistent structural problems have been unreactive in recent snowpit tests.In an area holding a thinner snowpack, that weak layer could be compromised by the weight of a skier,snowboarder,or snowmobiler causing a potentially dangerous avalanche.The likelihood of that happening is low but the consequences of such an event could be high.If you intend to recreate on terrain steeper than 35 degrees it would be a good idea to dig into the snow and have a look before you commit to that steep slope.

 

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