Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The mountains of Northeast Oregon received 5"-9" of new snow (most likely even more snow near and above treeline)and forecasted winds strong enough to transport snow from one place to another means we should see fresh windslab formation especially  above treeline and at ridgelines on north, northeast, and east facing terrain. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential for those who choose to recreate on steep leeward terrain in the alpine today. It is advised that recreationalists avoid windloaded terrain steeper than 35 degrees today, particularly in the alpine.

 

This forecast is sponsored by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Last night's new snow accompanied by moderate south, southwest, and west winds  has created new windslab formation on leeward  north, northeast, and east facing terrain.  The new snow load on existing windslabs on north, northeast, and east facing slopes will increase the likelihood for a human triggered avalanche on steep windloaded terrain, particularly near ridgelines. Assess conditions carefully today if you are considering traveling through or recreating upon steep slopes especially near ridgelines. 🚩Windslabs have a smooth, rounded, pillow or domelike shape and can be found on the leeward side of ridges and ribs. 🚩Wind transported snow has a dense feel to it.🚩 If the slab is dense or firm enough to support the weight of a human, it can sound hollow or drumlike while traveling across it. 🚩Shooting cracks projecting out in front of skis or boards while traveling through windloaded terrain is a bulls eye red flag that the snow you are moving through is unstable and could avalanche. If we start observing any of these red flags, especially   🚩recent avalanches, in areas near or similar to the area we are traveling in,  it is time we consider recreating on lower angle slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness. Today dangerous  avalanche conditions  exist on leeward facing terrain steeper than 30 degrees at and near ridgelines. To minimize the risk of triggering an avalanche, it will be important for us to identify features of concern like smooth domelike features at the snow surface, and evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Take the time to dig down into the snow to see how well the new windslab is bonding to the old surface it rests upon. Another thing you can do to evaluate the snow stability is jump on or ski test small inconsequential test slopes to see how the snow responds. If you observe shooting cracks, avalanching, collapsing, or snowpit stability test propagation, consider recreating on low angle terrain less than 30 degrees in steepness. Always be wary of steep terrain that has been recently wind loaded, and there will be much of that near ridgelines today.

    (3/4/2023)

    The smooth rounded shape of a "wind pillow". A red flag that this leeward facing slope is wind loaded.

    Photo: TG

  • Loose Dry

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

    The new snow that was deposited by last night's storm could be poorly bonded to the comparatively firmer snow surfaces it rests upon  at elevations at and below treeline today. On slopes steeper than 35 degrees it will be possible to trigger loose dry avalanches. Although likelihood of getting buried by a small loose dry avalanche will be low, these fast moving avalanches have the potential to carry a recreationalist into trees, rocks, gullies, and cliff bands. Consider the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche before committing to the steep terrain you are considering.

    (3/3/2023)

    Loose dry avalanche triggered on a small, steep, east facing test slope at 7300' in the Northern Elkhorns. 

    Photo: TG

Avalanche Discussion

Wind and snowfall amounts vary between the Wallowas and Elkhorns last night and today. The bottom line is there has been or will be enough wind to create reactive windslabs in the alpine in both the Wallowas and Elkhorns. Expect thicker windslabs in the Southern Wallowas where more snow has fallen overnight.

Also, observers and forecasters continue to observe persistent weak layers buried in the upper snowpack at isolated locations below treeline. We have not been observing avalanches or stability test reactivity on these layers and we think these layers are strengthening. That said, in areas where the snowpack is steep, shallow, shaded, and wind sheltered , though unlikely, it could still be possible for a human to trigger an avalanche on one of these isolated pockets of weak snow. Consider the consequences of getting caught in a slide before you commit to that steep slope !

 

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