Blues

Expect generally safe avalanche conditions today.  Large avalanches are unlikely, especially with temperatures staying close to or below freezing.  Your biggest hazard could be taking a long ride on a firm snow surface if you lose control.  

This will be our final avalanche forecast for this season.  Thanks to everyone who made this a safe and successful winter for the Wallowa Avalanche Center.  We are already looking forward to the winter of 2021/2022.  

As our official forecasting comes to an end, there will certainly still be some great spring storms, and folks will still continue to recreate in the mountains.  Keep in mind, avalanche danger still exists even though we are done with official avalanche forecasting operations.  Use the 5 Red Flags as a resource, and if you observe or feel any of these natural warning signs, stay out of avalanche terrain.  During spring storms and warm days, we need to be on the lookout for Wet Snow related avalanche problems.  These can include Wet Loose, Wet Slabs, Cornice failure, and Glide Cracks.  The likelihood of these problems increases when we have multiple nights in a row with a superficial or non-existent freeze, combined often with warm days and elevated snow levels.  It's wise to check your favorite weather station for the zone you like to ride and determine if the snowpack had a chance to "lock-up" overnight.  During periods of poor overnight freeze, water continues to percolate through the snowpack and can create unstable snow conditions.  Cornices can become very dangerous, as they begin to lose their tenuous bond with the rock and dirt they are attached to.  Avoid traveling around, on top of or underneath cornices, as they can be unstable and unpredictable.  The photos below are prime examples of Wet Snow avalanche problems.  Have a safe spring and thanks for tuning in the winter.  

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOU:  We want to learn more about how you use the Forecast and our products. Kelly Rice-McNeil (Eastern Oregon University) and Victor McNeil (Wallowa Avalanche Center) are spearheading a project to understand how you use avalanche center products and, ultimately, to improve them. Help us help you by taking 10 minutes or so to fill out a survey.  Google Forms link:  https://forms.gle/YwgEwHRnT4ucSF226