Western Wallowas
Quick report
I observed about 4” of new snow below 7000’ and about 8” of new snow at 7400’ and above. The new snow below treeline was unaffected by wind. Above 7900’ I noticed the presence of a light southwest breeze that seemed to strengthen as I gained altitude. Also, above 7900’ I noticed wind affected snow on the ridge I was ascending ie. sastrugi and areas of the ridge where all the new snow had blown off. I assume the steep, northwest facing slopes that were to my left were wind loaded, so I chose to stay off those slopes. I would say that for today, human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible on steep north facing terrain above treeline.
Avalanche
While ski touring in the Western Wallowas today I was able to trigger small loose dry avalanches on inconsequential steep, northwest facing test slopes near treeline. The affected snow was the new snow (about 8”)that fell on Valentine’s Day. The small avalanches were relatively harmless. The bed surface was the new/old interface. I believe on a larger slope steep enough to produce an avalanche, an unsuspecting recreationalist could get caught in a loose dry avalanche and get dragged into trees, carried over a cliff, or get buried in a gully.