Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

As temperatures increase today, so will the chances of wet-loose avalanches. Move off of very steep, sun-affected slopes if you see roller-balls or experience wet, unconsolidated snow surfaces. If you are sinking to your ankles in slushy snow, it's time to avoid avalanche terrain.  

This forecast is sponsored by Flow State Handyman Services.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today, warming temperatures and sun exposure will decrease snow surface stability, and later in the afternoon, wet-loose avalanches will be possible. If you are sinking past your ankles in wet/slushy snow, it's time to avoid avalanche terrain. Although Wet Loose avalanches are slower-moving, they can be difficult to escape and push you into hazardous locations. Slopes getting prolonged sun exposure, W-SW-SE, are the most prone to Wet Loose avalanches.  

    During the ideal springtime freeze-thaw cycle that some call "spring diurnal," it's important to start earlier in the day, and also end your day earlier. For skiers and riders looking for prime spring riding conditions, the quality of your turns decreases along with snowpack stability as the snow becomes loose and slushy.   

    Cornices: With a warm day in store, give cornices a wide berth. This includes exposing yourself from below.  Often attached to ridgelines further back than expected, you don't want to go for a ride if one cuts loose.  

    (3/6/2026)

    8300' SW

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

If you are travelling in the mountains today, be prepared for variable snow surfaces, including firm conditions in the morning and in shaded areas, as well as recently melted out obstacles like rocks and stumps. These will likely pose the greatest risk while travelling in the mountains today. Our snowpack is rapidly declining below 6,500 feet, and creeks are beginning to open up, and dirt patches are growing daily. 

As we continue to see above-freezing temperatures, look out for large cornices along exposed ridgelines. Give corniced ridgelines a wide berth, and minimize your exposure time if you must travel underneath overhanging cornices.  

Timing and preparedness are critical in springtime adventures. Pre-plan your travel routes and have the right equipment for the expected conditions.  It is important to recognize that warmed snow surfaces can become firm and slick when they refreeze. Consider carrying crampons and an ice axe if you plan to travel over refrozen surfaces- especially in terrain of consequence. 

Spring Diurnal Mindset: During the ideal springtime freeze-thaw cycle that's called "spring diurnal," it's important to start and end your day earlier. For skiers and riders looking for prime spring riding conditions, the quality of your turns decreases along with snowpack stability as the snow becomes loose and slushy. Checking the weather forecast for the expected freezing level, ambient air temperature, wind speed  and amount of sunshine are contributing factors. The following weather forecasts are useful as they provide the anticipated freezing levels, sky cover, air temperature, etc.  

You can move the point forecast to your desired location and make your own bookmark, too.

Let's paint this picture together.  Let us know what you are seeing out there through an observation.  It doesn't need to be complex or technical- just a few pictures and a description of what you encountered is super helpful to forecasters.  

Beacon Parks: The beacon park at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR has been shut down for the season. The beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) will remain open as long as there is enough snow.

Forecasting Season Ending April 5th: Sunday, April 5th, will be our last official Avalanche Forecast for this season. If a significant weather event impacts our region past this date, we may issue an update to our General Advisory Product.  

Regions covered