Avalanche forecast

Southern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Moderate winds over the past 24 hours have drifted and compacted snow into sensitive wind slabs.  Wind slabs will be most present near and above the treeline, especially on N-E-facing slopes.  Give open slopes and corniced ridgelines a wide berth especially if you observe wind pillows, dune-like formations, or shooting cracks.  

Our condolences extend to the friends and families of the skier and snowmobiler that died on Friday West of Driggs, ID.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Winds have blown steadily over the past 24 hours in the Northern Wallowas from the SW.  With significant light snow available for transport, it's very likely you will find sensitive wind slabs on N-E-facing slopes today.  Stick to ridgelines, lower angle terrain, and avoid hanging out underneath wind-loaded terrain.  These wind slabs will continue to grow in the next 24 hours with upwards of 8 inches of snow in the forecast today and continued moderate winds.  

Avalanche Discussion

A progressive weather pattern will continue to decrease the snowpack stability on Sunday.  Winds are forecasted to continue from the SW at moderate levels (17-25 MPH) and the Northern Wallowas could see around 8 inches of new snow today.  These are two factors that will increase the Danger Rating.  The snowpack needs time to adjust to the additional weight of new snow and wind drifted snow.  Increasing our margins and traveling in sheltered terrain and avoiding large open terrain features is recommended.  

We are still dealing with early season conditions, and there are many rocks, stumps, trees, etc to run your equipment into.   

Regions covered