Elkhorns

Like yesterday, sliding on icy surfaces or overheating your machine will likely pose a greater threat than avalanches. Shady aspects sheltered from the wind or low-angle slopes in upper or mid elevations are the best place to find soft snow,

Today's forecast is sponsored by Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club of Enterprise, OR. 

The parade of warm atmospheric rivers in December was not normal, and left us with about half of our average snowpack. However, this enduring high pressure is quite normal for most Januaries.  

The temperature inversion continues, but today we get a dose of sun and colder temps.  

If this seems like dull Groundhog Day at home, check out the National Avalanche Center map and Colorado or Alaska's current forecasts with persistent slabs and Considerable danger.  

Snow conditions:

Exposed upper elevations hold a mixed bag of surface crusts, soft but weak surface snow, and old wind-stiffened snow that is unlikely to be reactive as a wind slab (Jan 23 Elkhorns). Clear, cold nights and a strong temperature gradient in the upper snowpack have weakened (or faceted) the upper six inches of the snow surface on mid- and upper-elevation shady aspects (good riding). On sunny aspects, a sometimes-supportable melt-freeze crust exists (less good).  Large (20-60mm, 1-2") surface hoar grows near creeks and water bodies.  

Deeper in the snowpack: Concerning snowpack structure exists in the Elkhorns and outlying areas of the Wallowas.   

Specifically, forecasters and observers have been tracking weak snow below the Jan 3 crust in the Elkhorns, now buried about 1-1.5 feet down.  Observers have been finding mixed results on this layer in snowpack tests, indicating a weak layer (but not very weak) and not enough weight above it to produce a slab avalanche.

This is unlikely to be an issue while we wait out our January drought, but this structure will be our foundation when we get our next storm.   

Recent Observations:  Help reduce uncertainty and let us know what you are seeing in your backcountry travels:  Submit an observation here. 

 

 

14th Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival Jan 30-Feb 1

Friday, January 30th: HQ (110 Depot Street) in La Grande, Pie auction and ski flick!  Doors open at 5:30 PM, Pie Auction at 6:30, and the movie starts at 7:00. Matchstick Productions film "After the Snowfall" at HQ in La Grande. Tickets are $15 at the door; kids are free. If you would like to bring a pie or dessert, email Rex Stanley, [email protected] 

Saturday, January 31st: Join us at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for a full day of activities. Kip Rand memorial race kicks off at 8 AM, followed by a Companion Rescue Clinic at 10 AM and a Snow Science Clinic at 1 PM. We'll have a raffle and live auction in the main lodge in conjunction with music from High Pine Whiskey Yell later in the afternoon.  (You must pre-register for the race and clinics.)

Sunday, February 1st:  Tour with the WAC forecasters and staff. You must pre-register to attend, and spots are limited.  

Volunteers and raffle/auction items needed:  If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. We are always looking for items to raffle and auction, and they don't have to relate directly to skiing or snowmobiling.  Please reach out if you have an item you'd like to donate.  

Snowmobile Riding Clinic for Snow Professionals Feb 26-27

If you are a snow professional who’s interested in building your snowmobile skills and technique, or are looking to advance to the next level, the Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering a 2-day clinic on February 26-27.  This clinic is open to Avalanche Forecasters, ski patrollers, ski guides, and other industry professionals.  Click here to learn more.