Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

New snow combined with wind will be forming cohesive slabs today that will be likely to be triggered by a rider.  Natural avalanches are also possible in terrain steeper than 35 degrees.  Avoid slopes that are greater than 35 degrees, as well as runouts of avalanche paths.  Avoid riding above terrain traps such as gullies or cliffs.   

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Since 1/3/22, the Southern Wallowas have received 15" of snow with 2.3" of snow water equivelant.  There have been temperature fluctuations within the storm snow since 1/3/22 that have created softer layers that sit underneath harder layers.  These softer snow layers that are a result of colder temperature swings will be a likely weak layer under more cohesive snow that will fall today during the warmer temperatures. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Southern Wallowas are expected to pick up another 6" of snow today with moderate WSW winds and strong gusts.  

Over the last several days, observers have witnessed a variety of avalanche problems.  There have been reports of sensitive dry loose avalanches in steep sheltered terrain over 35 degrees on 1/4/22.  Cornices were growing and were sensitive to a person as the wind ramped up out of the SW on 1/4/22.   As precipitation rates increased during that evening into yesterday, a natural avalanche cycle was observed on road banks the morning of 1/5/22.  See photos below from our observations from the Western Wallowas.  

Other things to keep on your radar today will be the wind creating sensitive wind slabs and cornices in leeward terrain.  Look for evidence of snow drifting in plumes, ripples on the snow surface, or hollow feeling snow.  Avoid these areas.   If the temperatures spike above freezing, and the lower elevations start to receive rain, avalanche danger will rise rapidly, and it is probably a good sign to leave the mountains.  

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