Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Snow that has been drifted and packed into a harder slab will be your primary avalanche problem today.  Wind slabs will primarily be found at mid and upper-elevation terrain on a variety of aspects.  To increase your safety margins stick to slopes where the wind hasn't affected the snow.  

This forecast is sponsored by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will be your primary avalanche problem in the Wallowas and Elkhorns on Thursday.  If you visually observe the wind blowing and drifting snow, cornices, dune-like formations, or a rippled surface texture then you've found the potential problem.  Shooting cracks are another giveaway, and steeper slopes should be avoided if you experience cracking or collapsing.  Oftentimes times freshly developed wind slabs can surprise you and even a relatively small avalanche can push you into consequental terrain.  

    To increase your safety margins and snow quality choose locations less prone to wind effect.  If you do find slopes that have been stiffened by the wind, use caution and conservative travel techniques to limit your exposure.  

Avalanche Discussion

Wind slab development was noted in the Northern Wallowas on 3/19 by WAC forecaster Caleb Merrill and also in the Western Wallowas.  While traveling in the Western Wallowas on 3/19 my partner and I backed off our original objective as winds were stronger than expected and we felt like managing wind-loaded terrain on larger terrain features wasn't worth the risk.  From my views of the interior Wallowas, it was obvious the winds were moving plenty of light-density snow at the upper elevations.  Two of our Motorized Pro Observers also noted their decision to avoid wind-loaded terrain over the past couple of days.  Paul Stadem and Matt Lewis traveled out of Big Creek on 3/18 and you can read their observation here.  Ryan Phillips noted good bonding with the recent storm snow on the old crust but also avoided wind-loaded terrain.  

Regions covered