Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent new snow and rain weakened the snowpack yesterday and overnight at all aspects and elevations.  With dropping temperatures and drying today, the danger will decrease through the day.  Human triggered avalanches are possible, so avoid being on or under steep slopes, especially near terrain traps.  

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

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches are often preceded by roller balls and pinwheels, which are good visual clues that the snowpack is losing strength.  Although a cooling trend is underway and decreasing reactivity today, Wet Loose avalanches are Possible until the surface snow refreezes.  Avoid being on or under slopes over 35 degrees with gloppy wet snow, especially near terrain traps like gullies or flat benches.  

    Above the snow level last night, if you find 6-8" or more of new snow or wind-drifted snow, you may have a slab problem to avoid as well.  

    If the sun makes an appearance this afternoon, it could increase reactivity.  

     

    Roller balls abound on a steep south facing slope in the Blues. 

    Photo: Sarah Jakober

Avalanche Discussion

Wet snow avalanches are possible in the 2-3' of new snow since March 12.  These are unlikely to behave as a wet slab today, and only if rain water reaches the 3/12 rain crust as a bed surface, but not impossible.  Loose wet avalanches are decreasing in likelihood, but still Possible, especially to human triggers.  

You can read Victor's observation from in the Blues on Thurs. 3/20 here.  

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