Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

It remains possible to trigger a large avalanche breaking near the ground. This danger exists on all slopes steeper than 30 degrees near and above the treeline. Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees to stay clear of this avalanche problem.

This forecast is sponsored by The Trailhead - Baker City.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We are still finding poor snowpack structure in the Blues, although the likelihood of triggering this layer is low it remains possible. The November/December facets are now rounded, moist, and beginning to bond but are still substantially weaker than the snow above and below them. This creates the recipe for an avalanche. Snowpack tests on 1/31 confirm this. 

     

    (1/31/2024)

    Snowpit graph from the Blues 1/31/24

    Photo: Nick Burks

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures are finally starting to drop below freezing and 1-2" of new snow is expected. The new snow will be falling on a warm wet surface and should bond well. A dust-on-crust situation is likely to be the final result.

The Blues spent 2+ weeks with above-freezing temperatures. The snowpack is wet to moist from the top to the bottom. The November/December facets are now moist and beginning to bond but are still substantially weaker than the snow above and below them. This weak snow continues to produce concerning results in stability tests. You can see an observation here.

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Saturday, Feb 3rd-

  • Kip Rand Memorial Backcountry Race 8 am 
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  • 1 PM Snowpack assessment clinic
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  • Backcountry ski tour into Angell Basin

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