Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Significant new snow (16" past 48 hours) is resting on old weak sugary snow, embedded between crust layers.  Adding the weight of a rider, to this weak snowpack could result in an avalanche, on N-E facing terrain in the uppermost elevations.  If you change aspects or drop in elevation, you are unlikely to encounter the same avalanche danger.   Learn more about the Danger Rating here.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Snow from mid November is now found in the form of weak sugar snow, which comprises the bottom 2/3 of the snowpack on N-E facing terrain.  This sugar snow is embedded between various crust layers, which makes adding a slab (new snow) increase the likelihood of triggering a weak layer.  A persistent slab problem, does not exist in many areas of the Blues, including S-W facing terrain, where the snowpack is still very thin.  What is a persistent slab, and why should I pay attention?  Learn more here. 

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday we experienced numerous failures in the old snow from December on N-NE aspects above 5,400' at Spout springs, in the Blues.  These were all in snowpack tests, we did not experience any Red Flags associated with these weak layers.  You can read more here: Spout Springs Forecaster Observation. It's good to keep in mind, the Blues like all areas are still lacking in snow, especially on S-W facing slopes.  In the photo below you will see the layer that failed numerous times, roughly 2' below the surface.   Understanding the Danger Rating is very important, watch this video for a good explanation.  

Regions covered