Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today it will be possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Fresh wind slabs will continue to grow especially near and above the treeline.  Look for signs such as shooting cracks, collapsing of the snowpack, and poor bonding to steer you towards lower-angle terrain.  

If the incoming storm arrives before nightfall, avalanche danger will also rise. 

This forecast is sponsored by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.    

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will continue to develop today and will be the most reactive around ridgelines and steep rolls in more wind-exposed terrain.  Look for visual clues such as textured snow surfaces, dune-like formations, and drifts.  Small test slopes can help you determine the sensitivity to human triggers, especially if you observe shooting cracks.  It's wise to avoid traveling uphill or downhill on suspect slopes, as even a small avalanche could take you for a ride.  

    (4/4/2024) Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

Weekend Weather:  Forecasts indicate a powerful storm set to arrive Friday afternoon and last until Saturday evening.  The Wallowas are set to get hammered with new snow and wind.  Avalanche danger will be quick to rise overnight on Friday into Saturday morning.  Forecasts are showing upwards of 34" in the Northern Wallowas and 43" in the Southern Wallowas between Friday afternoon and early evening on Saturday.  

Snowpack Observations:  It's a wise decision to measure snow depths as you're getting out, identify crusts, and look for strong snow over weak snow.  You'll only be able to gather this information if you slow down, pull out your probe, and shovel, or at least dig a hasty pit with your hand or snowmobile track.  Without taking some time to determine what's going on beneath you, how will you ever know if the slopes you are traveling on, or underneath is safe?  Please also send us your observations and use #wallowaavalanchecenter.   Here is a recent observation from the Southern Wallowas, where a group of snowmobilers had a cornice collapse and trigger a small wind slab.  WAC Forecaster Victor McNeil also had an Observation from the Southwest Wallowas here.  

Scholarships:  Through the support of local businesses including Winding Waters River Expeditions, Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, The Avalanche Hour Podcast and the WAC we are currently offering submissions for 2 Motorized and 2 Non-Motorized scholarships.  These scholarships are to honor our avalanche forecasters Kip Rand and Nick Burks.  Submissions are due by December 15th, and if you've already signed up for a course with the WAC and receive a scholarship we'll refund your money.  You can apply the scholarship to an AIARE 1, 2, or rescue course offered by the WAC this winter.  Kip Rand Application Nick Burks Motorized Application 

Avalanche Awareness Presentations: 

  • December 12th, 6 PM Outlaw Motorsports in Enterprise: Join WAC Forecasters in Enterprise for a Motorized Specific Avalanche Awareness night.  Bring your avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag) as this will be a hands-on learning opportunity.  
  • Blue Mountain Outfitters La Grande: Date TBD
  • December 19th, 5 PM Barley Browns Taproom: Join WAC Forecaster and EOU Professor Kelly McNeil as she presents her latest research projects combining Public Health and Avalanche Education.  

Regions covered