Elkhorns

Generally stable conditions continue. Small wet or dry loose avalanches remain an outside possibility in extreme terrain. Carefully assess the consequences of what you are committing to and maintain safe travel habits. 

Today's forecast is sponsored by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club. 

Wet Snow Avalanches: Cloud cover today will likely limit the development of any wet snow concerns. Continue to use caution if you encounter terrain where the snow surface is wet and saturated. With the temperature inversion, most locations above 7,000 feet have not seen a hard freeze since Feb 2nd. 

Observations: If you are out in the mountains, please send us an observation of what you saw. All observations are noteworthy and greatly help the forecasters. If you snapped some photos, please include those as well.  

Snowpack Structure: 

• Drought conditions have persisted, with limited snowfall in the past month
• We continue to monitor snow around the various crusts and interfaces in the snowpack to look for signs of improvement or decline
• Locations of greatest concern are anywhere we find weak snow (facets) above or below a crust
• Our snowpack tests aren't producing Sudden Planar or Sudden Collapse Results or Propagation because we aren't finding a slab above the weak snow and bed surface
• Once we receive a load (new snow/wind), it will be important to identify terrain where strong snow sits above weaker/softer snow, especially if there's a bed surface

Accident Report from NWAC: Although it is sad and difficult to read, accident reports can serve as valuable educational tools. They often help us imagine ourselves in similar situations, just trying to enjoy a fun day in the mountains with friends. As we look forward to the day when snow falls from the sky, continuing our education is highly recommended. This report from NWAC forecasters provides details about a double fatality that occurred on January 9th. Our deepest condolences go out to the deceased, their family, and friends.

Beacon Parks: Thank you to everyone who helped establish the beacon training park at Anthony Lakes (across from the ski lift on Mud Lake) and near the warming shelter at Salt Creek Summit snopark outside of Joseph, OR. These are free tools that we should all take advantage of.  

Upcoming Events:  AVALANCHE RESCUE AND EDUCATION COURSE

The WAC is hosting an Avalanche Rescue and Education Course on Sunday, February 8th, at 9:00 AM at Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park. Open to skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and anyone interested in learning more about avalanche safety and practicing companion rescue skills. This course is donation-based, and we encourage you to contribute whatever you feel is appropriate. Help spread that word so anyone who would like to attend can! Fill out the registration form here if you would like to attend.  

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.