Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanches are most likely to be triggered on wind-loaded slopes in exposed terrain.  Look for clues of recent wind loading and avoid steep terrain that has fresh drifts of dense snow.  As the sun warms solar aspects, small wet loose avalanches may release around rocks or cliff bands in steeper terrain.  

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow has been redistributed into dense slabs in exposed terrain at upper elevations.  Winds have shifted from the North to the South- so expect to find wind slabs on a variety of aspects.   The extent of wind slab development will depend on the amount of dry snow available to be transported.   Evaluate exposed terrain for sensitive wind slabs by looking for recently blown snow, new cornice formation, and a stiff or rippled texture to the snow.  Depending on where you are, you could also find wind slabs in exposed terrain throughout the mid-elevation band (near treeline).  

    The new snow is sitting above a stout melt-freeze crust from last week's warmup.  This makes an excellent bed surface for wind slab avalanches, and any wind slab avalanche releasing on these crusts can be expected to run fast and far.  

    (3/19/2025) Photo: Victor McNeil

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures in the mountains have been on the decline and have returned to near-seasonal norms.  This has helped to stabilize the saturated upper snowpack that developed from last week's warmup.  Stout melt-freeze crusts were formed before new snow returned to the surface.  Observations from ski guides in the Western Wallowas indicate storm totals of around 10" since Friday.  Elsewhere- 3-6" has been the norm.  Yesterday, observers found wind-drifted pockets of snow at upper elevations that were cracking around their equipment.  The deeper pockets were 8-12" deep.    

Loose snow avalanches

Dry loose avalanches could occur in sheltered terrain at mid and upper elevations.   These are most likely to be triggered by a rider in terrain steeper than 35 degrees where the new snow sits above a stout crust.  Find small test slopes to test the reactivity of the new snow.  Getting caught up in a dry loose avalanche in the wrong place (above cliffs, gullies, or creeks) could turn a good day into a bad one.  Manage your sluff! 

Wet loose avalanches will start to release naturally this afternoon after prolonged periods of sunshine on solar aspects.  Expect any new wet loose avalanches to be limited to the new snow.  It would be unlikely for any of these wet loose avalanches to incorporate any older snow layers today.   Wet loose avalanches move slower than dry loose avalanches, but don't be fooled- they can just as easily knock you off your feet and drag you over consequential terrain.   If you find yourself sinking into wet sloppy snow, avoid steep terrain and don't ride above gullies and creeks.  

Springtime weather patterns are often dynamic...

Sunny skies can turn to squally storm clouds in a short time.   Precipitation amounts can be difficult to forecast, and freezing levels can be quite variable.  Maintain your ability to be surprised and stay flexible in your mountain travel plans.  Play the hand you are dealt and keep your eyes on incoming weather.  

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