Avalanche forecast

Blues

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise throughout the day Sunday, especially if predicted snowfall totals come to fruition.  Use caution in steep terrain, and avoid slope angles greater than 35 degrees where the new snow will need time to bond to the old snow surface.  Stick to well-supported slopes (ridge lines) and reduce your exposure to large open slopes with convexities and trigger points.  

Our condolences to the friends and families of the skier and snowmobiler that were killed on Friday in Idaho west of Driggs.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snowfall totals are predicted to reach 8-12 inches today in the Blues, Elkhorns and Southern Wallowas.  This is a lot of new snow in a short time period, and the new snow will need some time to bond to the old snow surface.  There's a good chance of seeing wind-affected snow near and above the treeline which could enhance the slab formation in the new snow.   With the increased uncertainty and possibility of 2 Red Flags existing today, our margins should increase.  

Avalanche Discussion

With the presence of an active weather pattern hunkered down over NE OR today we will see upwards of an additional 8-12 inches of new snow.  In some areas, this will increase the existing snowpack by close to 25%.  Our primary avalanche concern is the new snow and wind drifted snow usually needs 24-48 hours to bond to the old snow.  Wind slabs can linger for 24-72 hours before they typically become a non-issue.  Fortunately, in our travels to the Blues, Southern Wallowas, and Elkhorns we have found a pretty good snowpack structure.  On an average year, we receive snow in the Fall that persists into the early winter.  This snow usually becomes sugary (faceted) snow that creates a poor base to the snowpack.  Thus far below 7,500' the snow at the bottom of the snowpack appears to be well bonded, and the rest of the snowpack exhibits good bonding and strength.  Let's all hope the snow continues to trickle in, and we don't see any major warm-ups or extended periods of high pressure.  

Regions covered