Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Spring-like weather will produce spring-like avalanche problems.   As temperatures rise above freezing be on the lookout for roller balls, pinwheels, and other signs of Wet Loose avalanche activity on solar aspects.  On N-E aspects near and above treeline, Dry Loose avalanches will be our primary avalanche problem.  Although the danger may be moderate, you can still get yourself into trouble.  If you observe any Red Flags it's time to throttle down your terrain selection.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    With intense solar radiation today, the new snow we received this weekend will be primed to move downhill as it picks up heat from the sun.  If you observe roller balls, pinwheels or can physically observe the snowpack becoming saturated it's time to avoid traveling on or underneath slopes >30 degrees.  Plan your routes back to the trailhead accordingly as you don't want to finish the day on a steep S-W facing slope that's been getting baked by the sun for hours.  Read more about Wet Loose avalanches.  

    Example of a Wet Loose avalanche. Oftentimes these will start out in steep rocky terrain, entrenching snow as they move downhill.

  • Loose Dry

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

    The cold nighttime temperatures and clear nights will draw the moisture out of the snowpack, making it more susceptible to moving downhill in a dry loose fashion on steep North facing slopes.  Dry loose avalanches can move downhill rapidly, picking up more snow along the way.  If you are going to commit to riding steep N-facing slopes, understand the consequences of setting off a dry loose avalanche.  Read more about Dry Loose avalanches.  

Avalanche Discussion

It's really starting to feel like spring in the mountains of NE OR.  As daytime temperatures rise above freezing at the lower elevations we need to change our travel mindset.  Fortunately, the nighttime temperatures are well below freezing, so the snowpack has a chance to lock up at night.  Dealing with wet snow avalanche problems introduces a whole new cast of characters to deal with.  The best advice is to plan your route in and out of the mountains wisely.  Finishing the day traveling on or underneath a South or West facing aspect greater than 30 degrees increases your exposure.  Once you're sinking to your boot tops in wet, saturated snow consider the following: head home, look for higher elevation more North facing terrain, stay off and out from under slopes exceeding 30 degrees.  You should also give cornices a wide berth as they may begin to sag and want to break off with the warm daytime temperatures.

Regions covered