Northern Wallowas

Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely today.  Another day of inverted temperatures and sun in the mountains will lead to a variety of snow conditions, though this is not forecasted to impact stability.  Although coverage levels are impressive for this time of year, caution is still warranted to avoid open creeks, logs, rocks, etc. 

This forecast is sponsored by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides.  

FORECAST DISCUSSION

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 

Observations:  Thanks to everyone who submitted an observation this season so far.  Your words and photos help our forecasting team immensely as we have many acres of ground to cover, with limited resources.  Photos are worth a million words and general information like snowpack depths at various elevations and aspects are huge.  WAC Forecaster Victor McNeil has an observation from the Northern Wallowas from his travels around Wing Ridge on Dec. 3rd.  

Avalanche Awareness Presentations: 

• December 5th, 5 PM at Side A Brewing in La Grande: EOU Professor Kelly McNeil will present some of her research involving Behaviors of Students after taking an Avalanche Course and Risk Management Trends in US Avalanche Fatalities.  Kelly, for those who haven't met her also works as an AIARE Instructor and Forecaster for the WAC.  
• December 12th, 6 PM Outlaw Motorsports in Enterprise: Join WAC Forecasters in Enterprise for a Motorized Specific Avalanche Awareness night.  Bring your avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag) as this will be a hands-on learning opportunity.  
• Blue Mountain Outfitters La Grande: Date TBD
• The Trailhead Baker City: Date TBD

Travel Advice: First off it's important to continue to reiterate that once you can stay off the ground with your equipment, there's enough snow to avalanche.  All of the early season snow, wind, weather conditions, etc have created different layers in the snowpack.  Some of these layers may be strong, while others may be weak and fragile.  A lot of the time, avalanches that we trigger, were very close to the tipping point and just needed a load to come crashing down.  You won't know what's under your feet unless you take the time to dig down into the snow and identify what's going on.  It can be fairly straightforward, or utterly complicated and that's the purpose of your local avalanche center.  If you do find strong snow, resting on top of weaker snow then you've found some of the ingredients for a slab avalanche.  

Preparation:  Preparing for a safe and fun winter in the mountains is similar to getting your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions.  You don't want to get caught out traveling over a mountain pass without your snow tires, chains, shovel, etc.  This is the time of year to track down all of your avalanche rescue gear and give it a thorough once-over.  Make sure your battery terminals aren't corroded in your transceiver, the cable in your probe isn't damaged, and the welds on your shovel look good.  Your airbag pack needs to have proper air pressure if you're using a canister, and it's wise to practice pulling your airbag at least once a season.  If you are using a fan-based airbag, then practice deploying and repacking numerous times.  

Avalanche Education Courses: This is a good time of the year to sign up for an avalanche class taught by the WAC.  We have a great selection of 1-Day rescue courses, AIARE 1 and 2 Courses for all user groups.  It's strongly recommended you take a Rescue Class every couple of seasons to force yourself to refresh this perishable skill.  Once there's decent snow coverage get out and practice your companion rescue skills, especially with your riding group.  Don't just stop at the Level 1 Course, as taking a Level 2 gives you two additional field days out with expert instructors to fine-tune your skills.