Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Even though avalanche danger is generally low today, it will still be possible to trigger small windslabs in steep, isolated , leeward, north and northeast  facing terrain at ridge tops. Also, small loose dry and loose wet avalanches are possible on the steepest terrain and terrain features. The stout and slick rain crust found near the snow surface makes for a great gliding surface for an avalanche to run on. The likelihood of getting buried by one of these small avalanches is low, but a recreationalist  could still  end up going for an unexpected and very undesirable ride.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Yesterday afternoon I was able to trigger a small and  thin windslab on a steep northeast facing terrain feature  at about 8500' in the Northern Elkhorns. The thin slab moved easily downslope on  the smooth crust it was sitting upon. Avalanche danger is heightened on steep north and northeast facing  terrain at ridgelines today. If you are considering recreating on terrain steeper than 35 degrees at and near ridgelines, evaluate the snow and terrain carefully before moving onto these suspect slopes. If you venture onto a sensitive windslab, the resulting high speed ride could take you into a tree or over a cliff band before you have time to react.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Roller balls were observed on steep south facing slopes yesterday. Roller balls on the snow surface are a red flag signal that the affected snow is becoming weak and unstable. Temperatures today are forecasted to top out above freezing so expect to see roller balls and possibly small point releases on steep sunny aspects by late morning. Try to plan your outing so you are off of, and out from under, steep solar aspects by late morning before the surface of the snow becomes unstable.

    (1/14/2022)

    Photo was taken Friday morning. Rollerball activity on steep south facing terrain.

    Photo: TG

Avalanche Discussion

Thursday the Northern Elkhorns received about 2" of light new snow. On west and northwest facing terrain the new snow rests directly upon the supportable 1/2" January 6 raincrust. On north and northeast facing terrain, there is approximately 4"-6" of soft snow resting atop the stout rain crust. So we have "dust on crust" and deluxe "dust on crust" out there. Expect to see small  loose dry avalanches on the steepest shaded terrain today. Expect small loose wet avalanches on steep solar aspects today as well. Also, be aware that a fall on steep high consequence terrain this holiday weekend could turn into an unwanted and uncontrollable slide for life on the stout rain crust that exists at all aspects and elevations in the Northen Elkhorns.

Regions covered