Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet and heavy snow has been added to the lighter snow we were riding on earlier this week, increasing the avalanche danger.  Mid and upper-elevation terrain will be the most likely location to trigger a storm slab avalanche today.  Conservative travel is required, avoiding terrain traps and limiting your exposure.  

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Heavy wet snow will rest on lighter snow from earlier this week, creating an "upside down" snowpack.  This slab will likely be reactive to the weight of a rider, especially on steeper slopes.  Conservative terrain selection, both uphill and downhill will be required today.  Avoid slopes that end in a consequential runout zone, as these terrain traps are extremely dangerous.  

    (1/11/2024)

    Touchy Storm Slabs failing on a density change in the new snow. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

  • Loose Wet

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

    The snowpack doesn't like sudden changes and rain on snow can rapidly increase the hazard.  Roller balls and pinwheels are two visual clues the surface snow is getting wet and losing strength.  Getting caught in a small to medium wet loose avalanche can push you into a terrain trap where the chances of survival decrease significantly.  

    (3/18/2023)

    D1.5 wet loose avalanche observed at 8200' on SE face of Van Patten Butte. Likely ran on 3/17. Toe of debris pile was 2-3' deep and slide ran 100 yards.

    Photo: M. Hatch

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be a challenging day of travel in the mountains and there is uncertainty about the amount of snow that fell overnight in the Wallowas and Elkhorns.  At upper elevations, you could find 6-8" or more of high water content snow.  Although the Snotel sites and regional weather stations were reporting temperatures at or below freezing this am, snow levels were over 6,000' overnight.  It appears most of the Snotel sites were receiving very wet snow overnight at best.  Anthony Lakes reported 8" overnight, which is a good indicator for terrain above 7,000'.  

If you're taking your snowmobile out, don't forget to pack an extra belt.  

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