The Southern Wallowas have picked up significant snowfall in the past 24 hours. Wind slabs and storm slabs will be your main concern. Until the new snow has a chance to bond, sticking to slopes <30 degrees should be the rule. The new snow needs time to bond to the old rain crust, found at most locations and elevations in the Southern Wallowas.
With 19" of new snow reported above 7,000' we have the recipe for a storm slab avalanche. This new snow is resting on an old rain crust, and needs time to bond. Take a minute to dig down and evaluate the cohesion between these layers.
Winds out of the SSE will produce touchy wind slabs on NNW facing aspects. These wind slabs could be over 4' thick in places. Hill climbing could start as soft snow below tree line and end in a hard wind slab once you get higher in the terrain. Don't be fooled into complacency, and take the time to reevaluate the snow conditions as you change aspect and elevation.
The Southern Wallowas just got hit with another big storm. You will notice significant change in the snowpack as you gain elevation, and change aspect. Take your time, and carefully evaluate your terrain before committing to any terrain > 30 degrees. The next couple of days are a good time to play on lower angle slopes. Check out Pro Observer Killian Sumps writeup of his findings on 1/27. S. Wallowas Pro Observation.
