Elkhorns

If you encounter slushy wet snow that makes it past your ankles, consider avoiding steep terrain. Obvious signs of wet snow, like pinwheels and roller balls, will be less common. Anytime you're in doubt about the conditions or your location, use terrain to guide you towards gentler slopes.

Today's forecast is sponsored by Flowstate Handyman in Wallowa County. 

Wet Snow Avalanches: With the temperature inversion, most locations above 7,000 feet have not seen a hard freeze since Feb 2nd. Much of our terrain has already seen warm temperatures during this extended drought period. Today and Saturday will be as warm as yesterday, if not warmer. If you encounter snow that is becoming wet for the first time, use caution. It's difficult to predict and interpret how the snow will behave when we see warmups like these. 

Cornices: Give them a wide berth, and don't travel below them.

Observations: Northern Wallowas, Elkhorns, Southern Elkhorns

If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and help your avalanche forecasters greatly. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well.  

Snowpack Structure: 

• Drought conditions have persisted, with limited snowfall in the past month
• We continue to monitor snow around the various crusts and interfaces in the snowpack to look for signs of improvement or decline
• Locations of greatest concern are anywhere we find weak snow (facets) above or below a crust
• Our snowpack tests aren't producing Sudden Planar or Sudden Collapse Results or Propagation because we aren't finding a slab above the weak snow and bed surface
• Once we receive a load (new snow/wind), it will be important to identify terrain where strong snow sits above weaker/softer snow, especially if there's a bed surface
• Now is a good time to identify areas you like to recreate in, where the snowpack structure described above may exist

Accident Report from NWAC: Although it is sad and difficult to read, accident reports can serve as valuable educational tools. They often help us imagine ourselves in similar situations, just trying to enjoy a fun day in the mountains with friends. As we look forward to the day when snow falls from the sky, continuing our education is highly recommended. This report from NWAC forecasters provides details about a double fatality that occurred on January 9th. Our deepest condolences go out to the deceased, their family, and friends.

 

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. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

 

Upcoming Events:  AVALANCHE RESCUE AND EDUCATION COURSE

The WAC is hosting an Avalanche Rescue and Education Course on Sunday, February 8th, at 9:00 AM at Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park. Open to skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and anyone interested in learning more about avalanche safety and practicing companion rescue skills. This course is donation-based, and we encourage you to contribute whatever you feel is appropriate. Help spread that word so anyone who would like to attend can! Fill out the registration form here if you would like to attend.  

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.