Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

The likelihood of triggering a storm slab will increase as you gain elevation.  Anywhere there's 8" of new snow or more it's advised you use conservative travel techniques as the new snow needs time to bond.  Only expose one person at a time to slopes >30 degrees, and if you observe cracking or collapsing ease off your slope angles.  

This forecast is sponsored by Brooks Painting in La Grande.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    We are uncertain how much new snow fell above the snow/rain line from the warmup on Dec. 3.  If you make it to upper elevation terrain today its advised you measure the amount of new that's fallen in the last few days.  Avalanches could be more sensitive in locations that received the greatest snowfall.  

    It's possible at the upper elevations in the Wallowas and Elhorns you could trigger a storm slab today.  The likelihood for mid-elevation terrain depends on the amount of new snow, and how well it's bonded to the old snow surface.  If you find 8" of new snow or more then the likelihood of triggering an avalanche will increase.  Use safe travel protocols like only exposing one person at a time, avoiding terrain traps, and regrouping out of runout zones.  

    Anytime you experience cracking or collapsing Mother Nature is giving you a warning and you should look for lower-angle terrain to recreate in.  

     

    (11/29/2022) Photo: VM

Avalanche Discussion

Recruiting Professional Motorized Observers:  The WAC needs snowmobilers/snow bikers who've completed a Level 2 Avalanche course to submit professional observations.  Through a grant, we received from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department we have funding to sponsor this program.  If you are interested please email WAC Director Victor McNeil [email protected] 

Recent Observations:  Northern Wallowas, Northern Wallowas,  Southern Wallowas.  Please keep them coming!  

Beacon Training Parks:  Thanks to local volunteers who've recently set up our beacon training parks adjacent to the Anthony Lakes ski area on Mud Lake, and near the warming shelter at the Salt Creek Summit snopark.  These training parks are free, and a great way to brush up on your avalanche transceiver skills.  Please remember to not dig up the strike plates.  

Weather Jan 2 till now:  Elevated snow levels brought warm and wet conditions to NE Oregon Jan 2-3.  Many of our local Snotel sites gained over 1" of SWE, but snow accumulation was light.  High Ridge in the Blues went from 15.3" to 16.5" of SWE, but snow totals only increased 5".  In the Elkhorns the Bourne Snotel went from 11.1" to 12.5" of SWE, but lost 2".  Schneider Meadows went from 24" to 27" but only reported gaining 3" of new snow.  Aneroid Snotel went from 10.3" to 11.1" and only gained 2" of snow.  

A general rule of thumb is 1" of SWE=12" of snow.  Hopefully, all of that water will help our drought situation.  

Regions covered