Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are possible in steep terrain below ridgelines, saddles or exposed slopes at mid and upper elevations. Watch for signs of drifting and cornice formation and monitor the snow stiffness as you travel.  

This forecast is sponsored by the CB Construction in La Grande, OR.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    About eight inches of cold, dry snow is available for transport and moderate winds yesterday likely built windslabs at the upper and middle elevations. These windslabs may be covered by a few more inches of light snow and may be difficult to spot. Continually monitor how far your skis, boots or machine sink as you travel. Probing with your poles and quick handshears may also be particularly useful tools today. 

    Wind slabs are most likely on steep leeward slopes below cornices, ridgelines and saddles. Avalanches are also unlikely but not impossible in steep, sheltered terrain where new snow may have poorly bonded to the 1/3 crust. Avoid any avalanche terrain if you observe shooting cracks or feel strong over weak snow beneath you.

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

While the avalanche danger may be moderate, uncertainty is high and warrants its own conversation. Forecasters have been monitoring several buried crusts in the snowpack, and small facets have been observed around these crusts. We do not have the evidence or likelihood to warrant forecasting a persistent slab problem; however, we do have concerning snowpack structure and a very large amount of uncertainty due to freezing levels and spatial variability. Now is not the time for aggressive terrain choices, even if the surface instabilities appear manageable. If you're interested in digging, please send us an observation! Notable information includes the depth of any crusts and the hardness of the snow above and below these crusts, as well as the amounts of snow you encounter at various elevations. This observation is a perfect example of uncertainty at work in the current snowpack. 

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.  

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