Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You may encounter loose snow running fast on firm crusts above the freezing line today.  While these will likely be small, they could knock you off your feet or machine in consequential terrain.  At upper-elevations, If you see blowing snow, shooting cracks, or stiffer surfaces of snow, you could trigger a larger slab avalanche within the new snow.   

This forecast is sponsored by Wallowa County Search and Rescue.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    In places where 4"+ of new snow has accumulated over a firm crust, dry loose avalanches will be possible in steeper terrain.  Find small test slopes that are greater than 35 degrees to test the reactiveness of the new snow.  Dry Loose avalanches, often called "Sluffs/Sloughs" can move fast, sometimes swiftly dragging the unaware backcountry traveler downslope.  If this happens above consequential terrain or a terrain trap, you could become injured or buried under the debris.  

    If you're seeing 6-8"+ of new snow (S Wallowas) or find deeper totals from wind drifting, you may encounter a slab.  Use your pole/look at your track digging in to judge this depth and pull off hand shears to determine if you are dealing with a slab or loose problem.   If you are finding clean and energetic hand shears or small test slopes are fracturing, seek out lower-angle terrain

    (3/21/2025)

    Intentionally skier triggered dry loose size 1 (small) that ran for 400'

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

What's at the surface? 

Mostly stable avalanche conditions should persist today for the Wallowas and Elkhorns.  It will be possible to trigger dry loose avalanches in terrain steeper than 35 degrees above 6000' where the new snow sits above a firm crust.  Field observations in the Northern Wallowas and Elkhorns indicated the new snow bonded well to the old surface, while reports from a ski guide in the Western Wallowas revealed reactive dry loose avalanches at upper elevations. 

What if there is more snow and/or wind? 

In favored locations where 6-8" of snow may have accumulated, be on the lookout for signs of slab avalanches.  Use your pole/look at your track digging in to judge this depth and pull off hand shears to determine if you are dealing with a slab or loose problem.   If you are finding clean and energetic hand shears or small test slopes are fracturing, seek out lower-angle terrain.  Look for signs of wind loading of the new snow.  Snow drifted into dunes, fresh cornice formation, and areas along exposed terrain that have been swept clean of snow are all telltale signs that wind loading has occurred. 

Are there still wet avalanches on the menu? 

While the cooler weather has helped to stabilize the snowpack, wet loose avalanches could still occur at lower elevations that do not receive as deep of an overnight freeze.  If you find yourself sinking into wet sloppy snow, avoid steep terrain and don't ride above gullies and creeks.  

Springtime weather patterns are often dynamic...

Sunny skies can turn to squally storm clouds in a short time.   Precipitation amounts can be difficult to forecast, and freezing levels can be quite variable.  Maintain your ability to be surprised and stay flexible in your mountain travel plans.  Play the hand you are dealt.  

Please submit an observation here and help us reduce uncertainty.  It can be simple, short, and even anonymous.  Thank you! 

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