Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Forecasted new snow up to 4" by this afternoon accompanied by moderate west winds means we should see sensitive  windslab formation by early afternoon on steep northeast, east, and southeast facing terrain. These windslabs could be poorly bonded to the slick crusty surfaces they will rest upon making them easy to trigger on leeward facing slopes steeper 30 degrees. By this afternoon, expect heightened avalanche conditions on steep leeward facing terrain. Evaluate snow, weather, and terrain carefully while moving through the mountains, especially this afternoon.

 

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to 4" inches of new snow forecasted to fall during the day accompanied by moderate west winds means we could see windslab formation on leeward facing northeast, east, and southeast facing terrain especially near ridge tops by early afternoon . These windslabs could bond poorly to the slick crusty surfaces they will rest upon. Therefore, it could be easy for a human  to trigger a windslab avalanche on leeward facing terrain steeper than 30 degrees by early this afternoon. Observe weather conditions today when you are traveling through the mountains. As we notice snow starting to accumulate, especially accompanied by wind strong enough to transport snow, we need to consider the possibility that the snow on steep terrain is becoming unstable, especially this afternoon when avalanche danger could become heightened. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today before moving onto that slope steep enough to avalanche.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Up to 4" of new snow forecasted to accumulate by late this  afternoon. The new snow could  bond poorly to the slick crusty surface it will rest upon creating the potential for human triggered avalanches on terrain steeper than 30 degrees. As the the new snow accumulates throughout the day, suspect instability to increase on steep slopes you are considering. Before committing to that steep line,take the time to evaluate the snow and terrain carefully. Find and test small inconsequential test slopes to see if instability is becoming poor before diving into that steep line.

    (3/21/2023)

    Photo taken on a northeast facing slope  at 5365' at Spout Springs in the Northern Oregon Blues. By Thursday morning expect to see this crust on all slopes in the area. Unfortunately, this crust will make an ideal sliding surface for the new snow that is expected to fall Thursday into Saturday.

    Photo: TG

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