Avalanche Watch issued for Blue Mountains, Wallowas, and Elkhorns

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON: Avalanche Watch Issued by the Wallowa Avalance Center

WHAT:

The avalanche danger for the watch area will rise to high today near and above the treeline. Backcountry AVALANCHE WARNINGS may be issued.

WHEN

In effect from Thursday, January 11, 2024 – 7:00AM to Friday, January 12, 2024 – 7:00AM

WHERE

The Blue Mountains, Wallowas, and Elkhorns. The backcountry avalanche watch does not apply to highway avalanche programs or operating ski areas.

IMPACTS

Recent heavy snow combined with wind will likely create widespread areas of unstable snow. Large, natural and human-triggered avalanches will become nearly certain to occur as heavy snowfall and strong wind overload a weak snowpack.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. As conditions worsen, travel in avalanche terrain will not be recommended. Stay off of and out from below steep slopes—slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. Avalanches may be triggered remotely—from flat terrain above, below, and to the sides of steep slopes. Natural and human-triggered avalanches may run long distances and can impact gentler terrain below.