Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Lingering windslabs still exist along ridgelines, and although they are quite stubborn, areas that have seen windloading should be avoided.  Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Small wet loose avalanches are possible below treeline today.  If you are seeing signs of wet loose snow such as point releases, pinwheels, or a wet snow surface- avoid terrain steeper than 35 degrees especially where it may be above a terrain trap such as a cliff, gully, or trees.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The last few days there has been little in the way of snow available for wind transport.  However, there is still evidence of previous wind loading along leeward ridgelines.  These windslabs have had a few days to relax in their sensitivity.  That being said, avoidance of these wind loaded start zones is still recommended.   Look for clues to wind slabs such as rippled snow surfaces or smooth pillowy slabs of snow on the downwind or leeward side of ridgelines.  Cornices also exist in these zones, and may break further back than you expect.  Give cornices a wide berth, and approach ridgelines at an area where you are certain there is no overhanging cornice.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Overnight temperatures at most stations throughout the zone hovered right around freezing.  Small wet loose avalanches will be possible throughout the day at lower elevations, especially if the expected precipitation falls as rain or wet snow in those areas.  Wet Loose avalanches can start as a small point release from a trigger such as a snow falling off a tree, an animal running through a steep rocky area, or a rider cutting across a steep rollover.  (see photo from last week's warmup).  They generally fan out and entrain chunks of wet snow.  While they move slower than dry avalanches, they can easily push a rider into consequential terrain.  If seeing signs of wet loose avalanches such as a wet snow surface, pinwheels, or point releases avoid terrain steeper than 35 degrees above terrain traps.  As temperatures cool throughout the afternoon, the chances of wet loose avalanches will decresase. 

    (1/5/2022)

    This photo was taken during the warmup last week.  Surface snow is warm and wet at this location, has started a point release given the steep slope angle.  Point releases and pinwheels are telltale signs of wet loose avalanche activity. 

    Photo: cm

Avalanche Discussion

Observers report that terrain that has westerly or southerly aspects are sun and wind affected- a rugged surface in many places.   The warmup that occured last Thursday spared the upper elevation regions of the Southern Wallowas from the dreaded rain.  Observers reported the rainline to be around 5400' during that warmup.  Natural storm slab and wind slab avalanches ran during and just after the storm.  You can check out a pro observation from that time here.

 Surface Hoar/Hoar Frost was observed in protected areas below treeline.  It may still exist in isolated areas.  Look for evidence of it in protected, cold, low lying drainages.  While not dangerous when on the surface, when it is buried while it is intact- it can become a persistent weak layer.  

Please submit your observations to the WAC from your travels in the mountains.  There is no observation too small.  We have a large foreast area and limited resources, so even just a photo gives forecasters a lot of information and helps paint a better picture in areas where we  may not have been in awhile.  Keep 'em coming! 

Regions covered