Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Storm slabs at all aspects and elevations today still need more time to settle from the approximately 2' of new snow that has fallen this past week. For today it is recommended that travel on slopes steeper than 35 degrees be avoided. Take the time to carefully evaluate snow conditions and terrain before committing to any steep slopes today.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Heightened avalanche danger exists on all slopes steeper than 35 degrees today. The approximately 2' of new snow that has been deposited in the Elkhorns still needs time to settle and bond to the old snow surface it rests upon. While traveling around in the mountains today, take the time to perform hand pit tests to see how the new snow has bonded to the old surface. While you're at it, check for weak layer interfaces within the thick blanket of snow that we have received this past week. Ski cutting inconsequential test slopes is another good way to detect instability that may exist on slopes you are considering. It is recommended that you stay on slopes that are below 35 degrees in steepness today. Carefully evaluate snow conditions and terrain before committing to the steeper slopes.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Dry loose avalanches were observed Wednesday in the Northern Elkhorns on very steep terrain. In my travels through slopes in the Northern Elkhorns I did not see a dry loose problem but I believe, on very steep terrain protected from wind and sun, there is a chance of triggering a dry loose avalanche. Dry loose avalanches are capable of knocking a recreationalist off her feet and carrying her into a ravine,tree, or cliff band. Think about consequences before committing to that steep slope.

Avalanche Discussion

Early yesterday morning there was a riming event that layed down a 1/4" zipper crust on all aspects and elevations that I traveled through. The crust is thin and unsupportable. I was able to easily ski through it as well. I rarely see riming on the snow surface out here and thought it worth mentioning. Snowpit data from yesterday revealed about 18"of new snow since Monday morning. The height of snow at my location was approximately 6' . Column tests still reveal instability in the crust facet layers that now reside about 55 cm's down from the snow surface. This troublesome and potentially dangerous problem will probably plague us for weeks to come. Check out the photo of my snowpit for more details. Also, check out the snowpit photo of a snowpit from the Southern Wallowas. The photos are posted below in the Media Gallery.

We hope to see you at The Wallowa Avalanche Center Backcountry Festival tomorrow and Sunday at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. Go to the homepage of this website for all the details.

Forecast presented by @onxbackcountry. onX Backcountry is a GPS navigation and mapping tool designed with your backcountry objectives in mind, equipped with Avalanche Forecast and Slope Angle layers, Offline Maps and more.

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