Bulletin d’avalanche

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
Voir sur la carte

Danger d’avalanche

Mon
Alpin
1 · Faible
Limite forestière
1 · Faible
Sous la limite
1 · Faible
Open full map
Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 2 years ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

You may find pockets of wind-drifted snow on steep slopes at upper elevations.   If you find surface snow that's been stiffened by the wind avoid steep slopes with dangerous runnouts. Generally, the best snow quality exists at mid-elevations on shaded aspects.  

This forecast is sponsored by Flow State Handyman Services in Wallowa County.   

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Unlikely
    Taille
    1–1.5

    If you're getting into the upper elevations and you feel the snow beneath you has been stiffened by the wind, you've found our avalanche problem.  Wind slabs can also appear as drifts and dune-like formations.  

    Most backcountry travelers would probably agree that riding terrain that's been affected by the wind isn't that fun.  So if you're looking for the highest quality riding experience, where the safest conditions will also be found seek out more sheltered mid-elevation terrain.  If the inner adventurer inside you demands you get to the top of a peak or ridgeline, just keep an eye out for changing snow conditions, as wind slabs can break above you.  

    (1/16/2025)

    Obvious signs of wind drifting at the ridgeline.  

    Photo: Victor McNeil

Avalanche Discussion

Observations:  Thanks to the AIARE 2 Motorized Course for their observation from the Southern Wallowas on 1/18.  Here is an observation from the Southern Wallowas from WAC Forecaster Victor McNeil's travels 1/15-1/18.  

How is the clear and cold weather affecting our snowpack:

Today's surface snow could be tomorrow's (or next week's) weak layer.  Today or through the weekend, please let us know the surface conditions you find on what aspect and elevation: crusts, sugary faceted snow that bounces in your hand, or surface hoar.  If you get into upper-elevation terrain take a moment to look for the Jan. 3rd rain crust, and measure how deeply it's buried, how hard it is, and its thickness.  If you feel faceted (sugar snow) forming above/below the crust, let us know. 

Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival-Bid on the Online Auction Now!!!

Join us for the 13th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival January 31-February 2nd. 

  • Jan. 31: Ski Film and Pie Auction @HQ in La Grande.  Doors open 6:00 PM Adults $10, Kids $5.  Come watch the new Matchstick Film Calm Beneath Castles and bid on pies and other desserts.  If you would like to bring a dessert for the auction please arrive at 6:00 PM.  
  • Feb. 1: Kip Rand Backcountry Race (Anthony Lakes) Race starts at 8 AM, show up at 7:45.  Companion Rescue Clinic 10 AM, Snow Pack Obs Clinic 1 PM.  Live music by Wanderlust 3:30 PM Main Lodge with raffle.  (You must show up 15 min early for clinics and race at EOBF tent on S. Side of Rental shop.)
  • Feb 2: Tour with WAC Staff:  Ski tour into Angell Basin to better understand how to safely travel in avalanche terrain.  Please consider purchasing raffle tickets, bidding on an auction item, or donating $50 to the Wallowa Avalanche Center if you are planning to attend this tour.

Régions couvertes