Avalanche forecast

Southern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

It remains likely you could trigger a wind slab avalanche today.  Wind slabs will primarily be found at mid and upper elevations and all aspects are on the table.  Backcountry travelers should look for snow not affected by the wind to reduce their chances of avalanche risk.  With uncertainty about the depth and distribution of weak snow that formed during the Thanksgiving Drought, it's advised to stick to lower-angle slopes.  

This forecast is sponsored by Eli Mayes Dental.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering even a smaller windslab could have severe consequences as the weak snow formed during the Thanksgiving Drought (late November-early December high pressure) is now buried more than 1' below the surface.    If you are traveling and see visual clues (textured snow) or feel harder surface snow above softer snow change your course.  You may be able to trigger these avalanches remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.

    (12/14/2024) Photo: Victor McNeil

  • Loose Wet

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

    Daytime highs over freezing and a freezing level rising to 6,000' today will increase the chances of wet loose activity.  If you see roller balls or pinwheels there's evidence the surface snow is warm and the chances of wet loose activity are on the rise.  A wet loose avalanche could push you into terrain traps or other undesirable locations.   It only requires a short burst of direct sun to increase the chances of wet loose activity.  

Avalanche Discussion

A major storm just wrapped up in the Southern Wallowas.  We now have a new load, resting above some questionable snow in the form of facets that formed during the Thanksgiving Drought.  Yesterday I observed a natural avalanche in the Southern Wallowas on an East Facing slope at 7,400'.  We are uncertain at this time what this avalanche or others like it failed on, but it was wind-drifted snow that initiated the release.  You can see in my photos below from the Western Wallowas and Southern Wallowas the Thanksgiving Drought layer is obvious, and if you take the time to dig down and look for this layer it's softer than the snow above and below it.  

Presentations: 

  • 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.  

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