Bollettino valanghe

Elkhorns

Wallowa Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
Senza grado
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In sintesi

The likelihood of triggering wet loose avalanches will increase today as sunny skies and rising temperatures warm the surface of the snow.  Lingering pockets of wind slabs up to 2 feet thick could be reactive to the weight of a skier along upper-elevation ridgelines.  Avoid wind-stiffened snow near ridgelines and steep solar aspects that face the sun during the afternoon.   

Lower elevations have no rating due to the lack of a snowpack.   

Sunday, April 5th will be our last daily avalanche forecast.  We will issue a general advisory on Monday, April 6th, and update observations/general advisories as needed moving forward through the rest of the spring.  

This forecast is sponsored by The Trailhead in Baker City. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Natural and human-triggered wet loose slides are likely this afternoon in steep solar-facing terrain.   These should mostly remain small, and involve just the new snow that we have received since April 1st. (4-6").  However, even a small avalanche could sweep you off your feet in steep terrain or pull you into a terrain trap. 

    Look for rollerballs in the surrounding terrain, and evaluate how deep your boots penetrate into wet, sloppy snow.  If you find yourself punching up to the top of your boots in wet and warm 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.  

    (3/7/2026)

    D1 Wet Loose Avalanche

    Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Wind slabs have been more sensitive in the Elkhorns than the Wallowas.  There have been reports of wind slabs near Anthony Lakes in the last two days.  One was triggered intentionally on a steep but small test slope, and a larger avalanche was unintentionally triggered by skiers in a steep, confined NW-facing feature of Lee's Peak.   Luckily, nobody was caught.   The likelihood of triggering these is decreasing- especially with a warm day on tap, but it will be best to avoid slopes that have wind-stiffened snow. 

     Look for clues on the surface of the snow, such as:

    • Wavy or rippled-looking, stiff surface texture 
    • Cracking of the surface snow
    • Surface snow that suddenly supports your weight
    • Dune-like features that are downwind of areas that have been stripped of snow.  

     

    This Large (D2) windslab on Lees Peak in the Elkhorns was triggered by skiers.  Luckily, nobody was caught in the avalanche.    (4/3/2026) Photo: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

You will likely encounter a surface crust on most aspects this morning.  Most surfaces are smooth from the recent storm and could provide fun riding as the surface crusts soften.     Danger will increase with afternoon warming, so plan to exit early.  

Whether you encounter wet loose snow or a wind slab problem, the stout 6+ inch thick April Fools crust could be a slick bed surface.   Evaluate the bonding of the new snow to the April Fools crust.   Our concerns remain only in the surface snow above the crust for now, and you should get good feedback on instabilities with small, steep test slopes, hand shears, and tracking how deep your boots sink into the surface snow. 

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 such equipment are recommended for safe travel in the springtime alpine environment.  Learn more about how you can reduce your exposure with the "spring diurnal" mindset here.   Our snowpack is rapidly declining below 7,000 feet.  There are abundant dirt patches, and many creeks have opened up.  

Let's paint this picture together.  Let us know what you are seeing out there through an observation.  It doesn't need to be complex or technical- just a few pictures and a description of what you encountered is super helpful to forecasters.  

Beacon Parks: The beacon park at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR has been shut down for the season. The beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) will remain open as long as there is enough snow.

Forecasting Season Ending April 5th: Sunday, April 5th, will be our last official Avalanche Forecast for this season. If a significant weather event impacts our region past this date, we may issue an update to our General Advisory Product.  

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