Avalanche forecast

Southern Wallowas

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

A light freeze overnight, coupled with another sunny, warm day will activate the Wet Loose factory again today.  If you notice the surface snow is becoming saturated and punchy avoid traveling on or underneath steep sun-affected terrain.  The safest travel plan today is to stick to higher elevation N-E aspects later in the day and avoid large sun-drenched slopes as you exit the mountains.  

Forecast presented by @onxbackcountry. onXbackcountry is a GPS navigation and mapping tool designed with your backcountry objectives in mind, equipped with Avalanche Forecast and Slope Angle layers, Offline maps and more.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    If you see the presence of roller balls, pinwheels, or downright wet snow you are observing the ingredients necessary for a Wet Loose avalanche.  Triggering a wet loose slide in steep consequential terrain could push you or your sled into undesirable terrain.  Stick to shadier aspects at higher elevations later in the day, and avoid traveling across larger sun-exposed terrain features later in the day.  Especially look out for terrain traps, where even a relatively small slide could pile up wet heavy debris quicker than you think.  

     

     

  • Cornices

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

    Avoid traveling near or underneath cornices today and this weekend, as they might be weaker than you think with the amount of water percolating through the snowpack.  Cornices connect to ridgelines much further back than a person would expect and should be given a wide berth.  This includes jumping your snowmobile off a cornice, which could rock your world if one breaks free.  

    (1/2/2022) null

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past week, we have seen warm temperatures with many areas not freezing overnight.  The strong high-pressure system will continue today and we could see high temperatures in the mid to upper 30's.  Freezing levels have decreased and will top out around 3,800' in the Northern Wallowas today.  The pattern of clear and dry conditions looks to remain in the forecast through Saturday.   Weather models are hinting at a weak disturbance building Sunday and affecting us on Monday.  

Wednesday when traveling in the Western Wallowas I saw water percolating down into the snowpack and sitting on the January 6th crust.  Many days of warm temperatures have caused the snowpack to become saturated with water on solar aspects.  With the peak of the warm temperatures hitting today, we will likely see wet loose avalanches. 

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Thanks to everyone who came out for the Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival.  This event raised $10,000 to help sustain the Wallowa Avalanche Center and make 4 forecasts a week possible.  Thanks!!

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