Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It remains possible to trigger a large avalanche breaking near the ground. This danger exists on all slopes steeper than 30 degrees near and above the treeline. Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees to stay clear of this avalanche problem.

This forecast is sponsored by CB Const, Inc.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We are still finding poor snowpack structure in the Blues, although the likelihood of triggering this layer is low it remains possible. The November/December facets are now rounded, moist, and beginning to bond but are still substantially weaker than the snow above and below them. This creates the recipe for an avalanche. Snowpack tests on 1/31 confirm this. 

     

    (1/31/2024)

    Snowpit graph from the Blues 1/31/24

    Photo: Nick Burks

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday the Blues finally stayed below freezing and a couple of inches of snow fell.  The new snow fell on a warm wet surface and should bond well. More snow will arrive this evening and the wind will pick up. This will blow the new snow around creating small wind slabs. The crust you will find right under the snow may not be thick enough to protect you from the weak snow below. Triggering the lurking persistent slab avalanche would have devastating consequences. You can see an observation here.

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Sunday, Feb 4th-

  • Backcountry ski tour into Angell Basin

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