Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Warming temperatures in the Blues today will increase the chances of triggering an avalanche, especially on solar aspects.  As the cold snow from Sunday's storm warms up, it will form into a slab, which rests above weak snow from last week's cold snap.  If you observe roller balls, and pinwheels and have to de-layer it's time to look for shadier aspects to recreate.  

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa Country Gamblers snowmobile club in Enterprise, OR.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm temperatures, significant solar radiation and rising snow levels will turn on the wet loose factory today.  Wet loose avalanches often start out in steep terrain near rocks and trees and fan out as they collect more snow while traveling downhill.  They are good indicators of the surface snow warming and becoming more slab-like.  Avoid steep slopes with wet loose activity, as we know there is weak snow beneath the foot of fresh that fell last Sunday.  

    As daytime temperatures increase look for higher elevation shaded N-E aspects to recreate, or avoid traveling on or under sun-affected slopes >30 degrees.  Consider your route selection later in the day or as you are exiting the field, as you don't want to get caught traveling on or below steep terrain that has been getting a lot of sun.  

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    On Sunday two WAC forecasters remotely triggered a large avalanche in the Blues near Lookout Mountain.  You can read more here.   The culprit was weak surface hoar that was buried beneath a foot of snow that fell on Sunday.  As they traveled along a road, the steep slope below them avalanched.  They had identified a buried weak layer earlier in the day while digging a snow pit and also observed shooting cracks from their snowmobiles on small test slopes.  

    You may feel the snowpack collapsing and observe shooting cracks as "red flag" indicators of instability.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and you must dig down a foot or two to look for strong snow over weak snow.  It would be really tempting to drop into a steep terrain feature in search of cold powder snow today, especially as solar aspects warm up and the snow quality decreases.  Doing so could be dangerous, especially if the runout involves rocks, trees, or terrain traps.  

Avalanche Discussion

Another day of warm temperatures in the Blues will increase the chances of triggering a Wet Loose avalanche or a Persistent Slab.  If you feel the snow getting warm and mushy, it's time to look for higher-elevation, shadier terrain.  A wet loose avalanche could push you into consequential terrain.  Pinwheels and roller balls are good indicators that the surface snow is heating up.  

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Halfway Backcountry Ride and fundraiser yesterday.  Funds raised will benefit not only the Wallowa Avalanche Center but also two local Halfway families who recently lost loved ones in motor vehicle accidents.  We can't thank everyone enough for putting on this incredible event.  

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