Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Rain on snow will create very dangerous avalanche conditions.  Avalanches could run into mature forests and into valley bottoms.  Stay off all-terrain greater than 30 degrees and away from all steep slopes.  

Use extra caution around steep pitched roofs and outbuildings, and don't stop alongside the roadway where steep road cuts and slopes above the road could be very dangerous.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Certain
    Size
    1–3

    The Blues are going to see significant rain on snow through Wednesday evening, creating very dangerous avalanche conditions.  Traveling in the mountains until we see a significant hard freeze is not recommended.  Weather models are predicting up to 1" of rain on snow in the Northern Blues through Wednesday, and a hydrologic outlook has been posted until today at 12 PM.  

    Please use extra caution around buildings with steep roofs, road cuts, or anything with an angle of 30 degrees or greater.  

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    With significant rain on snow, the chances of natural wet slab release is likely for the next 24-48 hours in the Blues.  New snow from this past week is becoming heavily saturated and will likely pool on an old melt-freeze crust, buried in the snowpack.  Once this crust is lubricated we will likely see large wet slab avalanches on all aspects and elevations.  You don't need to know anything else.  Stay home and wait till it cools off before you return to the mountains.  

Avalanche Discussion

The Northern Blues are in the eye of a powerful atmospheric river now, until at least Tuesday afternoon.  Rain on snow can create very unstable snow and very dangerous avalanche conditions. Rain totals are estimated to reach up to 2" or more by Wednesday night.  You don't want to go toe to toe with a large wet loose, or wet slab avalanche.  This includes using extra caution around steep roofs, outbuildings, and road cuts.  Stay inside and bake some cookies, and wait until the weather cools off and we receive a good hard freeze before returning to the mountains.  

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