Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable conditions exist and you are unlikely to trigger an avalanche today. Small wind slabs may still be reactive in extreme pieces of terrain near ridgelines. Look out for wind-textured snow surfaces, large mounds of drifted snow, or snow that feels stiff and hollow, and if you see these clues or experience shooting cracks around you as you travel, avoid steep, unsupported, or rocky slopes.

Today's forecast is sponsored by The Trailhead in Baker City, OR. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and consistent winds from earlier this week have created small, widespread, wind slabs at middle and upper elevations. Minimal wind in the last 24 hours should keep these slabs only a few inches deep, and they should be gaining strength with time.

    If you plan to travel into very steep or exposed terrain, look out for drifts, dunes, or textured snow on leeward slopes to identify lingering wind slabs. Use small test slopes and inconsequential features to look for cracking, collapsing, or obvious strong over weak snow. Step away from avalanche terrain if you notice any signs of instability or find slabs thicker than 6 inches.

    (2/11/2026) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

    Tracks from Monday or Tuesday, filled in by wind transported snow by early Wednesday.

Avalanche Discussion

Current State of the Snowpack: We have received our first snow in weeks, and so far, the only instability we have seen has been new snow problems (wind slab and dry loose) in the top of our snowpack. This bodes well for now, however, forecasters and observers are still finding concerning structure with facets sandwiched between the melt-freeze crusts from 1/3, and now 2/8. We have not witnessed any avalanches on these layers, and snow stability tests have not yielded any propagation or sudden results. However, as the new snow settles into a more cohesive slab, and as we get more snow through the next week, we should be cautious before stepping out into extreme terrain and pause to see how the snowpack handles the additional load.

Observations: If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and greatly help the forecasters. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well.  

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

Upcoming Events:  Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.  

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