Avalanche forecast

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Rain at middle and lower elevations is not expected to spike the avalanche danger. Expect danger to rise to MODERATE where precipitation is falling as snow, as strong winds will likely build slabs over weak surfaces. Avoid steep terrain at upper elevations if you see evidence of the wind moving new snow or find cracking or collapsing. 

Today's forecast is sponsored by Outlaw Motorsports in Enterprise, OR. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwest to west winds today will gradually build wind slabs out of any new snow accumulating. These slabs could be sensitive to the weight of a human skier or rider, especially where they lay over softer layers of near surface facets. How the new snow will bond to the variety of other old surfaces remains to be seen, and conservative travel and terrain choices are recommended until we have more information about how the snowpack is adjusting to the new load. 

    If you travel to locations where new snow is accumulating and the wind is blowing, look for drifts, dunes, textured snow, or fresh cornice formation on leeward slopes. Use small test slopes and inconsequential features to look for cracking, collapsing, or obvious strong over weak snow. Step away from avalanche terrain if you notice any signs of instability.

    A shooting crack example on a small windloaded test slope. 

    Photo: Caleb Merrill

Avalanche Discussion

Observations: If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and greatly help the forecasters. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well.  

Snowpack Structure: 

  • Drought conditions have persisted, with limited snowfall in the past month
  • We continue to monitor snow around the various crusts and interfaces in the snowpack to look for signs of improvement or decline
  • Locations of greatest concern are anywhere we find weak snow (facets) above or below a crust
  • Our snowpack tests aren't producing Sudden Planar or Sudden Collapse Results or Propagation because we aren't finding a slab above the weak snow and bed surface
  • Once we receive a load (new snow/wind), it will be important to identify terrain where strong snow sits above weaker/softer snow, especially if there's a bed surface

Accident Report from NWAC: Although it is sad and difficult to read, accident reports can serve as valuable educational tools. They often help us imagine ourselves in similar situations, just trying to enjoy a fun day in the mountains with friends. As we look forward to the day when snow falls from the sky, continuing our education is highly recommended. This report from NWAC forecasters provides details about a double fatality that occurred on January 9th. Our deepest condolences go out to the deceased, their family, and friends.

 

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

 

Upcoming Events:  AVALANCHE RESCUE AND EDUCATION COURSE

The WAC is hosting an Avalanche Rescue and Education Course on Sunday, February 8th, at 9:00 AM at Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park. Open to skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and anyone interested in learning more about avalanche safety and practicing companion rescue skills. This course is donation-based, and we encourage you to contribute whatever you feel is appropriate. Help spread that word so anyone who would like to attend can! Fill out the registration form here if you would like to attend.  

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.  

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