Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

 Avoid wind-loaded terrain features along upper elevation ridgelines.   Use small test slopes to check the reactivity of these small and isolated wind slabs.    As the sun warms solar aspects today, small wet loose avalanches may be possible in steep, shallow, and rocky areas.  

This forecast is sponsored by Brooks Painting. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds decreased yesterday, but last week, the Blues received close to two feet of cold, dry snow.  This new snow is likely sitting on rough ground in most places, but could support a stiff windslab at the surface in isolated terrain. Should you plan to travel to high, exposed ridgelines, use caution on the steep slopes below and watch for drifts, pillows and cornice formation. Snow depths suddenly increasing or decreasing is another clue that winds have been moving snow. Avoid these slopes if you see cracking or feel strong over weak snow with your pole or probe. 

    A small test slope in the Southern Wallowas. This degree of cracking is a guarantee that larger windslabs have formed. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

As we transition yet again to warmer temperatures through early next week, keep your eyes on solar (E-S-W)  aspects, especially when in direct sun.  The surface snow may warm enough to creating roller balls and small wet loose avalanches.  These should be quite manageable if they develop at all today.  Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees if you are sinking up to your ankles in wet snow when you step off your boards or machine.  

Send us your observations! Snow depths and overall surface conditions will be important to monitor. Snow levels rapidly taper below 5000' where threshold depth is not yet a concern. Little to no snow has been observed below 4000'. 

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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