Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will rise throughout the day as warming temperatures and direct sun heat up steeper slopes that face the sun.   Consider moving off of steep sunny slopes if the snow feels wet and heavy or you are seeing naturally occurring roller balls/pinwheels.  Plan your route to avoid traveling underneath steep slopes that are receiving direct sun in the afternoon.  

This forecast is sponsored by M. Crow Company.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Overnight temperatures in the 20's combined with clear skies have helped the snowpack to cool down.  Solar aspects will have likely developed a melt-freeze crust on the surface this morning.  As the crust breaks down from warming temperatures, wet loose avalanches will become more likely. 

    East-facing slopes will start heating up in the late morning and the sun will work its way onto southerly slopes, then westerly slopes by the late afternoon.   Look for clues to wet loose activity such as roller balls or pinwheels, and look for "point releases" out of rocky outcroppings or cliff bands.  Plan your travel accordingly to avoid being on or under warming steep slopes in the afternoon.   Expect any natural or human-triggered wet loose slides to run easily on a crust that sits below the surface snow.  

    Consider the results of getting caught up in even a small wet loose avalanche if it were to knock you off your feet and carry you over consequential terrain such as cliffs, into dense trees, or into a gully feature.

    (4/3/2025)

    This D1 wet-loose avalanche was intentionally triggered through a ski cut.  the 2-3" of warm snow slid easily on the underlying crust.  

    Photo: Tom Whipple

Avalanche Discussion

Reports from yesterday were sparse, but indicate that wet loose avalanches were less reactive than predicted.  Northerly facing slopes at mid and upper elevations continued to provide dry(ish) snow for pleasant riding conditions.   Overnight, freezing temperatures and clear skies have helped the snowpack to cool off.   Any crusts that have formed at the surface will need to break down before wet loose avalanches become a concern.  Be mindful of slip and slide concerns over firm surfaces in the morning before the snow surface softens.  Consider carrying an ice axe and crampons if your travel plan takes you through consequential steep terrain that will likely be firm in the morning hours.  

In addition to wet loose avalanches, the warming temperatures and sun will continue to weaken cornices along ridgelines.   If traveling along ridgelines, give cornices a wide berth, and avoid hanging out underneath these looming monsters.  

Lingering pockets of older wind slabs may still lurk underneath corniced ridgelines at upper elevations.  While they may be small and stubborn to the weight of a rider, avoid recently wind-loaded slopes (especially above consequential terrain!).  Look for the usual signs of wind slabs such as a rippled or stiffened snow surface, cracking around your equipment, and pillow-like formations downwind of terrain that has been blown clean.  

With limited observations this time of year, uncertainty is higher.  Please submit an observation here and chip into the community info-sharing.  It can be simple, short, and even anonymous.  Thank you! 

Regions covered