Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Lingering wind slabs may be present and reactive around ridgelines; however, what keeps you off of steep slopes should be the persisting weak structure 2-3 feet down in the snowpack. Although the likelihood of triggering these weak layers is decreasing with time, the consequence would be a very large avalanche. Reduce your exposure by avoiding steep slopes until these layers demonstrate signs of healing.

 Today's forecast is sponsored by The Trailhead in Baker City

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The Valentine's Day Buried Surface Hoar layer, along with weak faceted snow from the January Drought (buried on Feb 8), exists in the upper 3 feet of the snowpack. While becoming less likely, if you trigger a slab avalanche on either or both of these fragile weak layers, you will likely produce a large to very large avalanche. It will be prudent to give steep, consequential avalanche terrain a wide berth until these layers show signs of healing.

    Persistent Slab avalanches can release in surprising ways:

    • They can be much wider than expected 
    • They can break above you and pull into relatively gentle terrain.
    • Persistent slab avalanches can and will release on slopes that already have snowmachine or ski tracks. 
    • Although unlikely right now, you can trigger them remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.  

    If you have uncertainty in managing this avalanche problem, you are in good company. The absence of obvious signs of instability, such as collapsing or whumphing of the snowpack, does not necessarily mean a slope is safe to ride.  Avoidance is our top (and our only) tool when it comes to dealing with a persistent slab. Further slope scale investigation is warranted if you decide to commit to consequential terrain.  

    (2/26/2026)

    2 Natural Avalanches observed near Pine Lakes in the Southern Wallowas.  

    Photo: Victor McNeil

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light overnight and forecasted winds will minimize wind slab development today. Preexisting wind slabs from strong winds on Saturday and earlier in the week will be gaining strength but could still be reactive in places today.  Look out for dune-like features, wind-textured snow, shooting cracks, and snow surfaces that feel suddenly firm and hollow, particularly on the leeward side of ridgelines. If you find evidence of wind slabs, it is another reason to back off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

     

    (3/13/2026) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

    Mounds of textured snow in the Elkhorns.

Avalanche Discussion

We still have persistent weak layers lurking in our snowpack.  While the distribution of the Valentine's Day Buried Surface Hoar is specific to more sheltered terrain, it has been found on northerly aspects as well as Southwest aspects- especially in the Western Wallowas near Flagstaff Butte, the Southern Wallowas. In the Elkhorns, this layer of buried surface hoar has been found on all aspects. Recent observations suggest that it is becoming less apparent and more stubborn on southern aspects, but it is easily identifiable and reactive to snowpit tests on northern aspects.  The January Facets, now 3-4 feet deep, are widespread throughout our forecast zones.   It's best to focus on the consequence (not the likelihood) of triggering a very large persistent slab avalanche. Reduce your exposure through conservative terrain selection until these layers show signs of healing.

Let's paint this picture together.  Let us know what you are seeing out there through an observation.  It doesn't need to be complex or technical- just a few pictures and a description of what you encountered is super helpful to forecasters.  

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. This is a valuable free resource that everyone should use to practice their companion rescue skills. 

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