Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Blues with significant snowfall this past week.  Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended, and you should avoid exposing yourself to any slope >30 degrees.  Stick to simple terrain and you'll find bountiful snow to recreate in.  

This forecast is sponsored by Eli Mayes Dental in La Grande.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    You might need to do a double-take when you read the copious amount of new snow that has fallen in the Blues since January 4.  The High Ridge snotel has received 5.5" of Snow water equivalent (SWE), which roughly translates to 5.5' of snow.  Milkshakes snotel has received 7" of  SWE in this same period.  At some point, the balance is tipped with rapid snowfall, and we start seeing failures in the new storm snow.  These storm slabs, may not appear to have much hardness or density, but the snowpack just can't adjust to this rapid new load fast enough.

    The bottom line is you can go out and get face shots all day in simple terrain.  If you decide to ride under even a steep roadcut (>30 degrees) you'll be throwing the dice and risking your life.  So the choice is yours, but is pretty straightforward.  

Avalanche Discussion

We haven't picked up any observations from the Blues since forecaster Nick Burks was up in the Morning Creek area last weekend.  Please send us photos, and texts or submit an observation.  We need this critical information to keep YOU safe.  

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