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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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Lingering stiff wind slabs sitting on top of less dense snow could take you for a ride. These wind slabs are mostly likely to be found near and above treeline on west, north, and east-facing slopes. If you see cracking in the surface  or feel hollow drum like snow choose terrain less than 30 degrees.

As the day warms be on the lookout for wet loose avalanches.

This forecast is sponsored by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The storm that began on Valentine's day finished with moderate to strong winds from the SW- S and SE. This loaded snow onto slopes facing west, north and east. These avalanches will be found near and above the treeline.

    Look for and avoid slopes with cornices, wind pillows, textured snow, and smooth hollow sounding snow. Cracking in the new snow is a sign you've found a wind slab.

    (2/20/2024)

    Wind Slab development.  I felt a small collapse on this slope.  

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem is showing strong signs of being unreactive. There is still poor snowpack structure, namely weak snow near the ground. This snow is now deeply buried and capped by dense snow and multiple strong crusts. While it is unlikely you could trigger one of these slides, it is not impossible. Avoid shallow areas of the snowpack (< 1m/3ft) and trigger points- rocks, scoured areas, and steep convexities. 

    (2/13/2024)

    This ECT failed and propagated on the 15th tap in old faceted snow near the ground. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

Warm temperatures and sunshine will quickly heat the snow surface today. There is still cold snow around from the last storm. When this snow warms up or the thin melt-freeze that has formed on some slopes breaks down, wet loose avalanche activity is likely. These small pushy slides can carry you to places you don't want to be. Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as visual clues of wet loose avalanches. If you see these signs or start sinking into the wet snow seek lower angle slopes or slopes without terrain traps in case you take a ride.

The storm that began on Valentine's Day finished with moderate to strong winds from the SW- S and SE. This loaded snow onto slopes facing west, north, and east. While traveling through or surveying the higher mountain terrain, the effects of the recent wind are obvious. Rippled wavy snow covers broad faces. Cornices hang imposingly over steep slopes. The snow under you will quickly transition from settled powder snow to stiff punchy windboard. These are all the signs of wind slabs. The warm temperatures and lack of new snow will help the wind slabs bond. For now, the possibility of triggering one remains. Look for and avoid slopes with cornices, wind pillows, textured snow, and smooth hollow sounding snow.

The persistent slab problem is showing strong signs of being unreactive. There is still poor snowpack structure, namely weak snow near the ground. This snow is now deeply buried and capped by dense snow and multiple strong crusts. While it is unlikely you could trigger one of these slides, it is not impossible. Avoid shallow areas of the snowpack (< 1m/3ft) and trigger points- rocks, scoured areas, and steep convexities. 

Forecaster, Caleb Merill gathered this information about current conditions in the Northern Wallowas.

 

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