Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Wet snow avalanches remain a serious concern for today.  All aspects and elevations with slopes >30 degrees should be given a wide berth.  Stick to low-angle terrain and don't hang out under steep slopes, as you are exposing yourself to overhead hazards.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Wet loose avalanches often start out like a cinnamon roll, heading down the hill.  In soggy conditions like we are currently experiencing they can pick up significant snow and become dangerous.  Triggering a wet loose on a steep slope with consequential terrain below you could yield negative results.  Until we receive a hard freeze, avoid traveling in steep terrain and don't hang out under slopes >30 degrees.  

  • Wet Slabs

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

    The snowpack in the Blues has been saturated with over 1" of water since Sunday, and no freeze overnight.  As this water percolates into the snowpack, the cohesion is lost and conditions become more dangerous.  The timing of a wet slab is nearly impossible to predict, so avoidance is the best option.  Stay away from steep, open slopes greater than 30 degrees.  Avoid traveling under steep slopes as well, especially if they end in terrain traps or other exposed locations.  

Avalanche Discussion

With non-freezing conditions in the Blues since the early morning hours on Sunday, and significant rain falling on the new snow from last week, dangerous avalanche conditions will continue today in the Blues.  The Milkshakes Snotel has received over 1" of rain since Sunday and the High Ridge snotel is close to that same threshold.  Rain is in the forecast again today, and freezing levels will once again be higher than all elevations in the Northern Blues.  

Regions covered