Avalanche forecast

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Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

This past week we have received between 12"-18" of new snow. This snow was accompanied by moderate west winds that created wind slabs on east facing terrain at and near ridgelines at many locations. These windslabs could  need more time to stabilize.Until they do, it is recommended that travel at and near ridgelines be restricted to slopes no steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The new snow that we have received since Monday morning was accompanied by wind strong enough to create wind slabs above treeline and at ridgelines on leeward east facing terrain. These wind slabs,where present, still need more time to settle and  stabilize. Today, avoid leeward facing terrain steeper than 35 degrees at and near ridgelines. Continually test the snow you intend to travel upon, especially snow resting upon steep terrain.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Observations throughout our forecast area point to the possibility of dry loose avalanches on steep terrain > 35 degrees. At most locations the new uncohesive snow that we have received is perched and poorly bonded to firm crusty surfaces. More time might be needed for the new unconsolidated snow to settle and bond to the old snow surface. Keep in mind that a fast moving loose dry avalanche can carry the unsuspecting rider into trees, ravines,  and over cliff bands so think about consequences befor committing to that steep slope.

Avalanche Discussion

Much thanks to those that contributed observations this week ! Also, please join us this weekend at Anthony Lakes Ski Area for our Backcountry Festival. You will find the details at the home page of this website.

Also, there is a potentially looming and dangerous Persistent Slab avalanche problem developing in the upper snowpack that we are monitoring daily. To know more about this potential problem, check out the photo and detailed caption below in the Media Gallery.

Forecast presented by @onxbackcountry. onXbackcountry is a GPS navigation and mapping tool designed with your backcountry objectives in mind, equipped with Avalanche Forecast and Slope Angle layers, Offline maps and more.

 

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