Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

It remains possible to trigger a very large avalanche breaking 2-6' deep in the snowpack. Fresh snow, rain, and wind will create new avalanche problems. Staying off slopes steeper than 30 degrees is advised to avoid triggering an avalanche.

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Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Despite the warm weather and rain, poor snowpack structure still exists. While the likelihood of triggering a Persistent Slab avalanche has decreased, it is still possible. The slab of snow sitting above the weak layers has gotten more dense due to recent weather. Triggering an avalanche would have serious consequences. If you want to avoid avalanches you should stay off of slopes greater than 30 degrees. 

      

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Incoming snow and moderate to strong Southerly winds will build fresh slabs on northwest through east-facing terrain. How quickly these slabs form will depend on how quickly the snow levels drop and precipitation intensity. Be on the lookout for blowing snow, drifts, and cornice formation.

    (1/13/2024) Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

The past two weeks have been warm and the mountains have received some rain. Large wet slides have been observed. This has changed and consolidated the snowpack. While the overall stability trend is headed in a good direction it is still possible to trigger a very large avalanche breaking 2-6' deep. The poor snowpack structure still exists. Continued vigilance is necessary to avoid getting caught in a powerful destructive avalanche.

Rain at lower elevations and fresh snow today will bring new avalanche problems. Watch for wind slab development and wet snow avalanches. New heavy wet snow falling on a crust will take some time to bond and storm snow instabilities will be present. Observations from the Southern Wallowas show that we could be burying a new layer of surface hoar.

Despite the spring-like weather the snowpack still has mid-winter complexity. Keep your eyes open and head on a swivel for the avalanche problems that exist and the new problems on their way.

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND IN LA GRANDE AND ANTHONY LAKES MOUNTAIN RESORT FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL EASTERN OREGON BACKCOUNTRY FESTIVAL. 

Friday, Feb 2nd

  • Matchstick Productions, "Land of Giants" at HQ in La Grande.  Doors open at 6, the pie auction at 6:30, and the film starts at 7.  

Saturday, Feb 3rd-

  • Kip Rand Memorial Backcountry Race 8 am 
  • 10 AM Avalanche Companion Rescue Clinic
  • 1 PM Snowpack assessment clinic
  • 3 PM Live music in the Starbottle

Sunday, Feb 4th-

  • Backcountry ski tour into Angell Basin

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