Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist across the Blues today. However, there is a slight chance south-facing aspects may produce small wet loose avalanches on steep > 35 degree slopes at low to mid elevations in the PM.  

It is with profound sadness that we report an avalanche fatality occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Northern Elkhorns. Our backcountry community is small and understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.  An accident report will be forthcoming in the next few days.  A preliminary report can be found below in the forecast discussion.

This forecast is sponsored by La Grande Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

     With daytime temperatures at 5000' expected to be close to 40 degrees today, wet loose avalanches may be human-triggered on steep >35 degree slopes in the PM with daytime warming. Potential warning signs of wet loose activity include rollerballs and pinwheels cartwheeling down the slope, sinking up to your boot tops in wet snow, or getting your sled bogged down in a soupy moist mess. Recreationists in the Blues should be especially careful traveling up steep canyon gullies and drainages in the afternoon as slopes become unstable. Avoid and stay out from underneath steep (>35 degree) slopes, and if you must traverse steep slopes, be sure to go one at a time. 

Avalanche Discussion

No danger rating has been issued for the lowest elevation band in the Blues (3000'-4000') due to the lack of snow in that zone. If we receive significant low elevation snow we will begin forecasting for that zone again.

 

Avalanche Fatality on Gunsight Mountain in the Elkhorn Mountians on 3/6/24

At approximately 4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 6th, an avalanche accident occurred on the north side of Gunsight Mountain (8342′) in the Elkhorn Mountains near Anthony Lakes.  

We are deeply saddened to announce that Nick Burks passed away due to trauma after triggering an avalanche while backcountry skiing with a friend.  Nick was a highly respected snow safety professional and worked for the Wallowa Avalanche Center as an educator and forecaster.  A full investigation and report will be forthcoming in the coming days.  Our backcountry community is small and we understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

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