Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Winds will transport snow from southerly aspects onto northerly aspects today near the treeline.  These fresh wind slabs have the possibility of catching the unsuspecting recreationist off guard.  If you observe wind-transported snow or signs of wind slab development such as shooting cracks look for terrain less than 35 degrees to recreate.  

Today's forecast is sponsored by Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise, OR.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds will increase today building fresh slabs on NW-NE aspects at the mid to upper elevations.  Look for signs of wind-transported snow such as pillows, drifts, and dune-like formations as indicators of wind drifted snow.  Shooting cracks and cornice development are other good signs the wind is moving snow and packing it into more dangerous slabs.  If you suspect wind slab development it's best to look for low-angle slopes without overhead hazards.  

    Drifts formed by Southerly winds being reshaped

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We may not see as much wet loose activity today with cloudier skies and moderate to strong winds keeping the surface snow cooler.  If you do observe roller balls, and pinwheels or can feel the surface becoming saturated it's best to avoid similar aspects and elevations where it's possible to involve yourself in a wet loose avalanche.  A wet loose avalanche may not be big enough to bury or kill you, but could still push you into consequential terrain.  

Avalanche Discussion

This will be the second day in a row the Blues will see temperatures go above freezing.  For Thursday the forecasted high is 39 degrees at 4,500' and the snow level will rise to around 5,000' by the end of the day.  There is still quite a bit of cold snow from this past weekend's storm that will see a major warmup, with the potential for some rain on snow over the weekend.  Remember, mother nature doesn't like rapid changes, and a rapid warmup is a Red Flag.  If you observe roller balls, pinwheels or generally wet snow it's time to look for non-avalanche terrain to recreate.  

Regions covered