Avalanche forecast

Northern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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 very large avalanche breaking 2-6' deep in the snowpack. You are most likely to trigger one of these avalanches in steep terrain where a thin spot in the snowpack exists.  Staying off slopes steeper than 30 degrees is advised to avoid triggering an avalanche.

This forecast is sponsored by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Fairly consistent storms have been depositing snow on top of a crust since February 1st. This consistent light snowfall on a thick crust makes dry loose avalanches possible. These fan-shaped avalanches can take you off your machine or feet and put you where you don't want to be. It could be an uncomfortable ride grating on the firm crust below. You can use short steep slopes to test the bond between the new and old snow.

    With new snow, the possibility of storm slabs and wind slabs in areas exposed to the wind exists. Be on the lookout for these where new snow has accumulated on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

     Skier triggered loose dry avalanches.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snowpack in the Northern Wallowas is currently weaker than the other forecast zones. Despite the warm weather and rain in late January, poor snowpack structure still exists. The possibility of triggering a persistent slab avalanche is still a very real one. 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. 

    In my travels on Sunday 2/4 we experienced huge collapses (whumpfs) in the snowpack. These collapses were occurring on depth hoar sitting on the ground. 

      

    (1/21/2024) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Rain, warm temps and lack of significant low elevation snow means we are dropping the below treeline danger to Low. Low danger does not mean NO danger! Pay attention to what the snow is telling you and remember the snowpack near and above the treeline has Considerable danger.

Fairly consistent storms have been depositing snow on top of a crust since February 1st. The full gamut of new snow avalanche problems (wind slabs, storm slabs, dry loose) are possible. The firm crust that sits below all this new snow creates an excellent sliding surface for any avalanche that gets started. Despite this crust, the snowpack below is still sensitive and weak.  On Sunday 2/4 while travelling we experienced huge collapses (whumpfs) in the snowpack. These collapses were occurring on depth hoar sitting on the ground. This is a clear sign the snowpack is still unstable. When the complexity and consequences are high, it's best to keep it simple and choose terrain less than 30 degrees.  Continued vigilance is necessary to avoid getting caught in a powerful destructive avalanche.

WAC Executive Director/Forecaster, Victor McNeil wrote this excellent Conditions Blog. It provides a great summary of conditions in January and what that means for the snowpack now in February.

 

 

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