Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on northwest, north, and northeast facing terrain today on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. The problem is a reactive persistent weak layer buried fairly deep in the snowpack on shady slopes. It is very possible to trigger a large avalanche today on the aforementioned slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Please check the recent observations in the "Observations " area of our website to read about recent avalanches in and close to our forecast area.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    In the last week observers and forecasters have been consistently finding weak  snowpack structure in the snowpack throughout our forecast area. Column tests on northwest, north, and northeast facing terrain have been consistently revealing poor stability in the mid and lower layers of our snowpack. The weak layers are uncohesive faceted or "sugar" snow that are located deep in the snowpack. The weak layers we are concerned about are less than 4" thick and rest atop a firm crust which makes for an ideal sliding surface. Precariously perched on top of this crust/facet combo is a  2' - 3' slab of snow waiting to take an unsuspecting rider for a harrowing and potentially lethal ride down the mountain. Also in the last week, rider triggered avalanches and collapses have occurred both in our forecast area and just outside our forecast area. These are glaring red flags that should not be ignored when considering recreating on terrain steeper than 30 degrees today. I encourage anyone going into the mountains today to take a look at the observations posted in the last week on this website.

    (12/6/2022)

    This snowpit was dug on Tuesday on a northwest facing slope at 7500' . I performed an extended column test that failed (full propagation) about 2' down. The week layer was about 3" thick and made up of facets or uncohesive sugar snow. ECTP15

    Photo: TG

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are present in isolated pockets in the alpine and should be a consideration if you plan to recreate on steep  east, northeast, north, and northwest facing terrain. These isolated windslabs could be sensitive to the weight of a recreationalist today and especially this afternoon as south winds and new snowfall increase throughout the day.

Regions covered