Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Small wet loose avalanches are possible below treeline.  If you are seeing signs of wet loose snow such as point releases, pinwheels, or a wet snow surface- avoid terrain steeper than 35 degrees especially where it may be above a terrain trap such as a cliff, gully, or trees.   Lingering windslabs still exist along ridgelines, and although they are quite stubborn, areas that have seen windloading should be avoided.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The last few days there has been little in the way of snow available for wind transport.  However, there is still evidence of previous wind loading along leeward ridgelines.  These windslabs have had a few days to relax in their sensitivity.  That being said, avoidance of these wind loaded start zones is still recommended.   Look for clues to wind slabs such as rippled snow surfaces or smooth pillowy slabs of snow on the downwind or leeward side of ridgelines.  Cornices also exist in these zones, and may break further back than you expect.  Give cornices a wide berth, and approach ridgelines at an area where you are certain there is no overhanging cornice.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Overnight temperatures at most stations throughout the forecast area remained at or above freezing.  Small wet loose avalanches will be possible throughout the day at lower elevations, especially if the expected precipitation falls as rain or wet snow in those areas.  Wet Loose avalanches can start as a small point release from a trigger such as a snow falling off a tree, an animal running through a steep rocky area, or a rider cutting across a steep rollover.  (see photo from last week's warmup).  They generally fan out and entrain chunks of wet snow.  While they move slower than dry avalanches, they can easily push a rider into consequential terrain.  If seeing signs of wet loose avalanches such as a wet snow surface, pinwheels, or point releases avoid terrain steeper than 35 degrees above terrain traps.  As temperatures cool throughout the afternoon, the chances of wet loose avalanches will decresase. 

    (1/5/2022)

    This photo was taken during the warmup last week.  Surface snow is warm and wet at this location, has started a point release given the steep slope angle.  Point releases and pinwheels are telltale signs of wet loose avalanche activity. 

    Photo: cm

Avalanche Discussion

Observers report that terrain that has westerly or southerly aspects are crusty and or are blown down to a rugged surface in many places.  Windblown tree debris covers the snow surface in many places.  Northerly aspects that are protected from the wind and not as steep likely hold the best riding conditions.  A couple inches of new snow might help the situation.  A mostly rightside up snowpack exists, at all elevations, but the 1/6 rain crust will be the layer we are tracking into the future as weaker snow will be developing around the buried crust.   It can be found at various thickness and depth ranging from 1/2" thick at lower elevations to 1/8" thick at higher elevations.  In some places it remains on the surface where other snow has been blown clean.  In areas protected from the wind or where wind has been deposited on top of it, the 1/6 Rain Crust can be found between 3-6" below the snow surface.  Check out my recent observation from the Elkhorns here.    Surface Hoar/Hoar Frost was observed up to ridgelines in the Elkhorns last Sunday, but by the early part of the work week had been mostly destroyed by warm temperatures, sun and wind.  It may still exist in isolated areas.  Look for evidence of it in protected, cold, low lying drainages.  While not dangerous when on the surface, when it is buried while it is intact- it can become a persistent weak layer.  

Please submit your observations to the WAC from your travels in the mountains.  There is no observation too small.  We have a large foreast area and limited resources, so even just a photo gives forecasters a lot of information and helps paint a better picture in areas where we  may not have been in awhile.  Keep 'em coming! 

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