Blues

The chances of triggering a wet loose avalanche will increase throughout the day as surface crusts break down.   You can also expect to see natural wet loose avalanches run on the stout April Fool's crust in steep, rocky terrain until the surface of the snow refreezes.   Keep an eye on overnight low temperatures and plan your mountain travels to avoid being on or under sun-drenched, steep slopes in the afternoon.  

Today's Forecast is Sponsored by The La Grande Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club.  

Wet Snow Avalanches

Wet Loose avalanches will increase in likelihood as daily temperatures rise and direct sun warms the snow surface.  For now, these wet slides should remain mostly small and are likely to only entrain the  4-6" of new snow from the last week that sits above a stout melt freeze crust  (April Fool's crust).    Remember that even a small avalanche in exposed terrain or near a terrain trap could have severe consequences.  Pay close attention to how thick and supportive the April Fools' crust is across different aspects and elevations.  When you start to see this crust break down from meltwater in the snowpack, it's time to take a bigger step back, as wet snow avalanches could be larger and entrain more snow.  

• Spring weather can rapidly alter snow conditions and snow stability. 
• Expect pinwheels to follow your tracks as unstable conditions develop. 
• Look for rollerballs in nearby steep solar terrain.
• Evaluate how deep your boots penetrate wet, sloppy snow.  If you find yourself punching up to the top of your boots in wet and mushy snow, avoid steep terrain and seek shadier aspects.   
• If you are venturing on an all-day mountain outing, be intentional about your tour plan to avoid being on or underneath steep solar-facing terrain in the afternoon.
• Pay attention to mountain weather stations and the extent of overnight freezing temperatures.  
  • If we see recurring nights with above freezing temperatures, and the April Fool's crust becomes unsupportive, larger and more destructive wet avalanches could occur.    Reduce your exposure through selecting less consequential terrain. 

Cornices

Cornices are large and droopy along many exposed ridgelines.  The warm weather and direct sun will continue to weaken cornices throughout the spring.   No matter which side of the cornice you are on- riding below them or traveling on a ridgeline next to them, give 'em a wide berth.  

Firm Travel Conditions May Exist

If your travel plans include traveling in steep and exposed terrain in the morning, be sure to have the appropriate gear for firm conditions.  Ski crampons, boot crampons, an ice axe, and the knowledge of how to use this equipment are recommended for safe travel in the springtime alpine environment.  Learn about how you can reduce your exposure with the "spring diurnal" mindset here.   

Continue to submit observations

Even though this is the last scheduled forecast product for the winter, it's likely not the end of avalanche season.    As you continue to travel in the mountains, please share your observations with our community by submitting an observation here.  It doesn't need to be overly technical- just a few pictures and a synopsis of the conditions you encountered.  

Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, observers, forecasters, board members, and community members who have helped to support the Wallowa Avalanche Center.  We can't do it without you.  We hope everyone has a fun and safe rest of the spring.