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

Close to 18" of snow has fallen in our mountains this week. On south facing aspects that snow is poorly bonded to a stout melt freeze crust and needs more time to bond to that crust. From what I have observed human triggered avalanches are likely on south facing slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Heightened avalanche danger exists on all other slope steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    During mid March a very thick stout melt freeze crust has developed on all south facing slopes making for an excellent sliding surface for the generous amount of snow our region has received since Sunday night. Presently there is up to 16" of new snow sitting atop that crust with light snow from Monday at the bottom followed by wind deposited snow from NW winds on Tuesday followed by the 6" of  snow yesterday and last night. This new snow is unstable and will need more time to bond to the slick surface it rests upon. I observed an avalanche on Monday in the Southern Wallowas on a south facing slope that had the potential to injure or kill a recreationalist. Read more about that avalanche in the "Observations " section of our website. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on steep south facing  aspects. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential when traveling through the aforementioned terrain.

    Avalanche observed on a south aspect in the Southern Wallowas on Monday 3/22. Bed surface was stout crust that developed in mid March.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Since Saturday night about 16" of new snow has been deposited on our old crusty and (in some shady wind sheltered locations) faceted snow surfaces. Most of that snow arrived Sunday into Monday followed by another round yesterday into today. Use caution when venturing into terrain steeper than 35 degrees today. Keep slope angles below 35 degrees, avoid steep start zones, and avoid run outs that might be affected by potential avalanches.

    Snowpit from Wednesday 3/24. East aspect Lee's shoulder in the Northern Elkhorns.Elevation is 8200' . Notice the 16" of newer snow sitting on top of the 1" thick mid March melt freeze crust. This new snow/old snow interface could be problematic Friday/Saturday as the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In my travels yesterday in the Northern Elkhorns I observed light to moderate sw winds in the alpine and at ridgelines. I also observed the formation of windslabs at ridgelines on leeward ne facing terrain. Be thinking about sensitive windslabs when venturing out onto terrain steeper than 35 degrees in the alpine and especially at ridgelines today and tomorrow. Consider avoiding steep terrain where the presence of windslabs are suspected or observed.

Avalanche Discussion

Most of the month of March we have enjoyed relatively benign avalanche conditions. This week's weather has changed and so must our avalanche mindset. Earlier in the month we were able to enjoy stepping out into steeper more dangerous terrain. With respect to avalanche danger most terrain was safe to ski. With the onset of new snow this past week we need to step back into safer more conservative terrain and take the time to reassess this new set of avalanche conditions.

Regions covered