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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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent snow from the last few days could continue to drift and create wind slabs but these new layers should gain strength and stability with time. Remain vigilant when traveling along ridgelines and leeward aspects. If you encounter large mounds of wind-drifted snow, shooting cracks, or stiff/styrofoamy snow that is suddenly supportable to your skis or machine, choose lower angle and less exposed terrain

This forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club of Enterprise, OR

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and sustained winds from the last couple of days may continue to create wind slabs that can vary from a few inches to a foot deep.  Be careful when travelling through wind-affected terrain and avoid large mounds of wind-drifted snow. Seek low-angle terrain if you see shooting cracks or the snow feels suddenly stiff or supportive under your equipment. 

     

    (12/27/2025) Photo of a small Wind Slab forming in the S. Wallowas. Be cautious of large mounds of wind-drifted snow, particularly in steep, complex terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions:

New snow and the current cooling trend will help improve skiing and riding conditions for the next week, but remain cautious of low coverage, particularly at mid and lower elevations. We are still collecting observations of the snowpack, particularly around our 12/18 melt-freeze crust, to get a sense of our overall stability and if we have any persistent problems in our snowpack. Please let us know what you find if you do any digging or see anything noteworthy.

 New resources for 2025/2026

  • Fresh blog post on 12/22: Early season mindset
  • Avy App. It can save the forecast for offline use and store field observations that upload automatically when back in service. 

Avalanche Courses:  The WAC provides avalanche education specifically for both backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.  Check out all of our courses here.  

  • Motorized Companion Rescue Jan. 16 Catherine Creek
  • Motorized Level 1 Course Jan 17-18 Catherine Creek
  • Motorized Level 2 Course Jan 24-25 Halfway
  • Motorized Level 1 Refresher Feb 7 Catherine Creek
  • Women's Only Snowmobile Clinic Feb 28-March 1 Catherine Creek

Observations: 

 Submit an observation here.  Let's paint this picture together.   An observation can be just that- a picture.  It doesn't have to use any technical wording or snow nerd acronyms.  Just explain where you went and what you saw.   Submitting observations through the Avy App has made it incredibly easy to help paint the picture for forecasters and recreational users.  

Regions covered