Dangerous avalanche conditions will be found today and tomorrow in the Southern Wallowas. All aspects and elevations have received significant snowfall and human-triggered avalanches are likely up to 3' thick. Give steep terrain and runout zones a wide berth, as avalanches may run further than you expect.
This forecast is sponsored by Robert Brooks Painting in La Grande.
Wind slabs will be reactive and likely today. You don't want to get involved with a large windslab avalanche, which could release above you and relocate you into severe terrain. All of the signs are pointing towards unstable snow, as Mother Nature cannot absorb this much new snow and wind-drifted snow in such a short time frame.
(1/14/2024) Photo: Victor McNeil
The Southern Wallowas have received significant snowfall, which is resting on a variety of old snow surfaces. If you step out onto steep, unsupported slopes it's likely you will trigger a large avalanche. Yesterday 12/14 I found 1.5' slabs sitting on a layer of weak faceted snow in the Western Wallowas. It was reactive in my snowpack tests, and if translated to a slope >30 degrees with a stiff enough slab it's likely you would trigger an avalanche.
(12/14/2024)
Compression Test resulting in CT 11, Sudden Collapse down 44cm, or 1.5'. Broke on a layer of rounding facets.
Photo: Victor McNeil
Weekend Weather: We will see a slight break in the action today, but that doesn't mean the snowpack isn't just waiting for you, the "trigger" to expose yourself to slopes steep enough to slide. The rubber band has been stretched tight, and can easily pop once a rider challenges Mother Nature. This is a good time to check your ego, stick to low-angle terrain and just be happy we are getting a lot of snow!
Snowpack Observations: WAC Forecaster Victor McNeil found unstable snow conditions yesterday in the Western Wallowas around Flagstaff Butte. It's a wise decision to measure snow depths as you're getting out, identify crusts, and look for strong snow over weak snow. You'll only be able to gather this information if you slow down, pull out your probe, and shovel, or at least dig a hasty pit with your hand or snowmobile track. Without taking some time to determine what's going on beneath you, how will you ever know if the slopes you are traveling on, or underneath is safe? Please also send us your observations and use #wallowaavalanchecenter.
Scholarships: Through the support of local businesses including Winding Waters River Expeditions, Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, The Avalanche Hour Podcast and the WAC we are currently offering submissions for 2 Motorized and 2 Non-Motorized scholarships. These scholarships are to honor our avalanche forecasters Kip Rand and Nick Burks. Submissions are due by December 15th, and if you've already signed up for a course with the WAC and receive a scholarship we'll refund your money. You can apply the scholarship to an AIARE 1, 2, or rescue course offered by the WAC this winter. Kip Rand Application Nick Burks Motorized Application
Avalanche Awareness Presentations:
