Avalanche forecast

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Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

New windslab formation on steep (35 degrees and steeper) north, northeast, and east facing terrain at ridgelines is the main concern for today. Human triggered avalanches on this high alpine terrain are possible. Continue to evaluate the snow conditions and terrain carefully before venturing out onto it. Also, be wary of leeward facing terrain 35 degrees or steeper on slopes located near treeline that appear to be affected by a large amount of wind transported snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We are still in the midst of an active weather pattern that includes a fair amount of new snow and moderate southwest winds. With plenty of new soft snow available for transport, we continue to see windslab formation on leeward north, northeast, and east facing terrain at ridgelines, especially above 8000' . Telltale signs that suggest a slope might be windloaded include evidence of cornice formation  at ridgelines and large pillows of new snow below cornices and on leeward facing terrain features. Careful evaluation of terrain steepness and snow conditions are required today while traveling through the aforementioned terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

I was touring in the Northrn Elkhorns yesterday (Christmas Eve). At ridgelines above 8000' I noticed snow depths around 6' on leeward north and east facing slopes. Significantly more snow in these areas than other areas that I have been monitoring. That said, I saw no evidence of avalanches or unstable snow. I do believe avalanches are possible on isolated terrain features that are very steep and very windloaded and chose to stay on slopes <35 degrees. The stability tests that I performed yesterday expose moderate instability about 8" down from the snow surface. No propagation was observed. The snow pack continues to be mostly right side up. There are dense crust layers near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers prove to be unreative in my stability tests, but will continue to monitor for changes. If you get out today be careful of logs, rocks, and tree tips. Those hazards still exist, even in the upper elevations.

Merry Christmas 

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