Avalanche forecast

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Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The recent warming temperatures and high snow levels have created a slab (strong snow), which will again test weak snow buried 2'+ down from the snow surface.  The chances of triggering a large avalanche remain "possible" and the most likely locations are very steep slopes, with rocky features.   With uncertainty remaining amongst forecasters with how this warmup will affect known weak snow layers it's best to continue to ride in simple terrain.  

Today's forecast is sponsored by La Grande Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    There is always uncertainty about how persistent slab avalanches will react to change. We do know that any change makes them more likely to occur. The addition of new wet heavy snow and warm temperatures again today may test the balance and cause these avalanches to release. Triggering one of the 2-4' deep slabs would have disastrous consequences.

    Avoiding terrain where this problem lies is the best way to stay out of harm's way.

    We don't have extensive knowledge on how the wet heavy snow may influence weak layers now buried 2'+.  There was an observation from the Southern Wallowas by a Pro Observer of a skier-triggered avalanche yesterday on a steep rollover with rocky features.  

     

     

     

    (1/19/2024)

    Skier triggered avalanche 1/19/24 in the Southern Wallowas.

    Photo: Nick Burks

  • Loose Wet

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

    Anytime we have a prolonged period (24hrs) without a solid overnight freeze there remains a chance of triggering a wet loose avalanche on steep slopes.  Roller balls and pinwheels are signs of unstable snow.  This wet heavy snow may not be big enough to bury a skier or rider, but could push you into consequential terrain.  You wouldn't want to get pushed off a cliff, into a terrain trap, or through a forested area by wet heavy snow.  

    There is a chance that a larger wet loose could step down to unleash the buried persistent slab now buried over 2' down.  The timing and likelihood are very hard to predict, so if you see signs of wet snow moving downhill traveling on, under, or around suspect slopes should be avoided.  

     

     

    Photo: Nick Burks

Avalanche Discussion

Snow Levels will continue to rise to around 5,500 feet today. This makes wet avalanches more likely, especially in the below treeline band.  Small Wet Loose avalanches were reported yesterday in the Southern Wallowas and Elklhorns.   Expect the prevalence of this avalanche problem to increase today. Remember that even a small slide in consequential terrain can result in a poor outcome. Keep an eye out for rollerballs and pinwheels, these are the first signs of wet loose avalanches and a message that it is time to pick terrain less than 30 degrees or go home.

As mentioned above there is much uncertainty around what makes persistent slab avalanches release. When we have increased uncertainty we must increase our margins of safety. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making remain essential to avoid this avalanche problem.

Regions covered