Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Early in the week the northern and southern Wallowas pick up 4-6" of new snow. The western Wallowas picked up over 12". The new snow is not bonding well to the old snow surface. Loose dry avalanches could be triggered on steep solar aspects where slick melt-freeze crusts exist. Sensitive wind slabs may be triggered on E-S aspects near ridgeline. Carefully evaluate any slopes > 30 degrees for instability and avoid possible trigger points like convex rolls, unsupported slopes, and leeward terrain features near ridgeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    There is enough new snow, 6" or more, available for transport by the wind onto leeward terrain features near ridgeline. The cold temps have kept this snow light and uncohesive. Light N to W winds have been able to move this snow onto E through S aspects near and above treeline. Wind slabs will be especially reactive on solar aspects where the new snow has not bonded to slick melt-freeze crusts. Carefully evaluate any slope > 30 degrees for instability. Pay particular attention for areas where the new snow is sitting on slick crusts and avoid wind-drifted leeward terrain features denoted by smooth pillows below ridgeline and mid-slope. When in doubt, mellow it out. Stay off of steep slopes.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Valentine's weekend had us feeling the love as temperatures climbed well above freezing in most locations. The sunny and warm conditions warmed our hearts, but nare I say, it could not last. On Saturday, temperatures dropped forming a stout melt-freeze crust on most solar and south-facing aspects. This past weekend a potent storm system brought 6" of new snow to most Wallowa mountain locations, expect in the western Wallowas where 12" + fell. Observations from the field yesterday indicate the new snow is not bonding well to slick crusts on solar aspects where slope angles approach 35 degrees or more. Avoid steep slopes where 6" or more of new snow is sitting on melt-freeze crusts from last week's warm up.

Avalanche Discussion

The Wallowas received significant amounts of snow early in the week. Most locations above 6,000' received 6" or more. The western Wallowas easily got over 12" of new. This new snow is not bonding well to the old variable snow surfaces that range from stout melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects to weak uncohesive snow on more northerly slopes. It is time to be very dilegent in your snowpack assessment. There is alot of variability in snowpack structure and instablity across aspects. Do your homework before dropping in or on any slope greater than 30 degrees. If you are uncertain about the hazard - move to lower angle terrain. Remember...ski and ride one at a time. Avoid trigger points like convex rolls, rocky terrain, and wind-drifted areas below ridgeline. Choose slopes that are concave and don't funnel you into trees or into a terrain trap like a gully. Now is the time to dail it back and be cautious.

Regions covered