Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Avalanches are unlikely today due to overall low snow depths. Approach steep, smooth terrain with an assessment mindset and use caution if you encounter a thick, cohesive slab of fresh snow. 

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    While the Blues have received almost two feet of snow so far this storm cycle, this snow fell on very rough ground in most places. This surface roughness prevents the uniformity necessary for avalanches. Storm slabs very rarely release on a ground layer such as the one pictured, and the overall probablity of triggering an avalanche remains unlikely. In isolated locations where there was more than two feet of snow previous to the storm, or in very smooth, open terrain, we may be approaching the depth necessary for a slab to form. Monitor snow depths where you travel and watch for cracking, collapsing or wind loading. Avoid avalanche terrain if you see any signs of instability.

    Previous surface the new snow is likely falling on... 5400' in the Blues. 

    Photo: Victor McNeil

Avalanche Discussion

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

Regions covered