Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The type of avalanche problem you may encounter today will change as you gain elevation.  Wet Loose avalanches are more likely below the rain/snow line, while you may encounter wind slabs at upper elevations.  Use the snow surface and your own weather observations to identify the issues at your location and tailor your plans accordingly. 

This forecast is sponsored by CB Construction in La Grande.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Above the rain/snow line, be on the lookout for signs of wind-drifted snow.  Often, you'll notice the consistency of the snow below your skis or machine changes when you encounter snow affected by the wind.  Harder snow, possibly drum-like, and when reactive, you're likely to see cracks shooting out from your ski tips.  Wind slabs can be tricky, difficult to manage, and sometimes hidden under new snow.  Any wind slabs that are found sitting on top of a crust will likely be more reactive, so dig down and check the bonding at this interface.  

    (12/27/2025) Photo: Karen Morse

  • Loose Wet

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

    Roller balls and pinwheels are an obvious clue that the surface snow is wet.  These are indicators that precede wet loose avalanches.  If you travel on slopes >30 degrees, use caution if you encounter wet snow.  Wet Loose avalanches can become more problematic if the wet snow is sitting on a crust.  As you increase in elevation, the snow will hopefully become drier, and your likelihood of triggering a Wet Loose avalanche will decline.  

    (1/1/2026) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Expect a mixed bag of conditions if you're heading into the mountains today.  The snow level and air temperature will be playing a game of cat and mouse, with hopefully more snow than rain.  It's difficult to know how this will all shake out until we get into the field and make some observations.  Snow on the surface should point you in the direction of the avalanche problem you may encounter.   

What we are tracking:

There’s little of note on the horizon as we begin 2026.  Most of what we're tracking is already on the ground. Below 6000’, we still have a limited snowpack, but the middle and upper elevations have filled in, though there’s a lot of variability in the lower snowpack.

In some of our forecast areas, we've found a patchwork of rounding sugar snow (facets) in the bottom few inches of the snowpack. These are unlikely to be problematic beneath the strong 12/18 crust at this time, but future loading could make them an issue.  We're also monitoring various melt-freeze crusts from December, including the 12/18 crust and the 12/26 crust.  In areas where these crusts are 2-3” of solid ice, we’re confident in their strength. However, in places where the ice is thinner, with soft sugary snow in between, they could become a layer of concern as more snow increases the slab weight above them. At upper elevations, the 12/26 may not be a crust but rather just heavier, denser snow.  If you encounter this or crust sandwiches, let us know where. Probing with a soft touch over a large area can be a useful technique.

New resources for 2026

Avalanche Courses: The WAC offers avalanche education tailored specifically for both backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.  Check out all of our courses here.  

Observations: 

 Submit an observation here.  Let's paint this picture together.   An observation can be just that- a picture and where it is.  It doesn't have to use any technical wording or snow nerd acronyms.  Just explain where you went and what you saw (or if you did not see avalanches).   Submitting observations through the Avy App has made it incredibly easy for forecasters and recreational users.  

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