Skiing in the Angell Basin in the Elkhorn Mountains. The Wallowa Avalanche Center, based in Joseph, issues avalanche forecasts and warnings for the Elkhorns, Wallowas and northern Blue Mountains.

LA GRANDE — The 12th annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Wallowa Avalanche Center, and this year’s event spans three days, Feb. 2-4.

“We want to celebrate the mountain culture — get the locals out and have a place to celebrate,” said Michael Hatch, Outdoor Adventure program director at Eastern Oregon University and WAC avalanche specialist.

Pie auction

The weekend begins with a pie auction and film on Feb. 2 at HQ, 112 Depot St. in La Grande. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the auction at 6:30 p.m. and the film “The Land of Giants” at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door, or $5 for kids under 10.

Anyone who would like to donate a pie to the cause can email mhatch@eou.edu or victor@wallowaavalanchecenter.org.

A race, clinics and music

For the weekend, the festival moves to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Events kick off early at 8 a.m. with the Kip Rand Memorial Backcountry Race. Find the link to register at wallowaavalanchecenter.org. Entry is $25 for the race only, $50 for the race and WAC hat, or $75 for the race, WAC hat and WAC donation.

The race is in memory of Rand, a past WAC director who died in a cornice fall accident in the Wallowa Mountains in 2016.

After the race, the WAC presents two free clinics — Avalanche Companion Rescue at 10 a.m. and Avalanche Basics with snow profiles and stability tests at 1 p.m. Advance registration is suggested through the website, but participants can also sign up at the festival tent south of the rental shop.

Saturday wraps up with music by Wanderlost from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the main lodge.

Backcountry tour

The weekend wraps up on Sunday, Feb. 4, with a tour of the backcountry of Angell Basin at 9 a.m. on the south side of the rental shop. Hatch and Victor McNeil, director of the Wallowa Avalanche Center and lead forecaster, will explain how to evaluate snow conditions and show participants additional terrain options.

Advance registration is suggested.

Online auction

The WAC’s online auction concludes Feb. 4. This year’s offerings features a variety of items donated by local businesses, including a 2024-2025 season pass to Anthony Lakes, NW Alpine clothing, a scenic helicopter flight with Baker Aircraft, equipment and clothing from Blue Mountain Outfitters, a guided ski trip for two with Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, a one-night stay at Wallowa Lake Lodge and so much more.

Browse items and bid at www.32auctions.com/EOBF24.