Northern Wallowas

New snow and wind-blown snow will continue to stress our weak upper snowpack structure.     While the largest avalanches will be possible in wind-drifted snow, smaller avalanches could be occur in wind-sheltered areas.  A big change to the snowpack demands a big step back in our terrain selection and mindset. 

This forecast is sponsored by Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club

A return to active winter weather is here, ending the January dry spell.  Our last measurable snowfall before this was on January 10th.   The extended high pressure brought plenty of sun, wind, and mostly cold temperatures.  These conditions created a variety of conditions on the surface of the snow.   As we introduce a new load to this weak snowpack, it will need time to settle. 

The Southern Wallowas and Northern Blues avalanche forecast zones have received enough new snow to raise the alarm bells.  These areas have received over  12" in 24 hours with another 2-4" expected today.   It's pretty obvious in these zones that a step back is necessary. 

The "tweener" amounts of new snow in the Elkhorns, Western Wallowas, and Northern Wallowas (4-6" with another 2-4" on the way today) make assessing the new snow instabilities a bit trickier.  Obvious signs of instability may not be clear and present, but anywhere there is 6-8" of new or wind-blown snow on a suspect interface, use caution and consider avoiding avalanche prone slopes.  What are the suspect interfaces you ask?  See below. 

• On shady and sheltered northerly aspects that have been protected from the wind, the new snow will not bond well to the 10-12" of weak, sugary facets and/or surface hoar.   The new and wind-blown snow may be able to hang in the balance for some time before a trigger is introduced to the equation.  Don't let the trigger be you! 
• On solar aspects, the new and wind-blown snow will not bond well to firm surfaces that have gone through multiple melt-freeze cycles.   If you find areas where weak sugary snow exists below these crusts, a greater degree of caution should be used.  

As always, be on the lookout for the freebie signs of unstable snow: recent natural avalanches, shooting cracks, and whumphing of the snowpack.    However, we should be treating this set up similar to a persistent slab problem, where the usual signs may be hidden and remotely triggering avalanches will be a possibility.    This complex scenario demands a conservative approach to your terrain selection as we reach the upper end of snow totals by the end of the day.   The snowpack is waiting to reach a tipping point of stress over strength.  It will likely occur at some point this weekend.   This creates a challenge for backcountry travelers navigating avalanche terrain.  The best approach will be to utilize a conservative mindset as we see how this all unfolds.   Be patient.  

Check out a recent observation from the Northern Wallowas here.  

Observations:   Add value to your avalanche forecast.  Help us reduce uncertainty.  This weekend will be an ideal time to submit an observation if you get out in the backcountry.  

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

Join us for the 13th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival Today and Tomorrow! 

• 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.