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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 5, 2020
Submitted:
December 6, 2020
Observer:
WAC - Victor McNeil
Zone or Region:
Elkhorns
Location:
Elkhorns, East side Van Patten 6,300-7,600'

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
None

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Unfortunately the primary hazard is running your skis, boards, snowmobile etc into underlying rocks, trees, stumps, etc. The extended dry period we've seen has diminished our snowpack. We measured 60cm or 2' at 7,600' yesterday on an East Aspect.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
3
Wind:
Light , SE

Strong temperature inversion this past week. Much colder temperatures at the parking lot 6,300' then at elevations above 7,000'. It was 3 degrees C at 7,600'.

Snowpack Observations

We did not conduct any snowpack tests. Currently the snowpack looks good, with only snow from November found at this location. No basal facets (sugar) were observed at the ground, and snowpack is overall strong. Very large surface hoar forming under the inversion layer at 6,300', but this did not continue much past the parking lot.

Below photo was taken on 11/4 along Catherine Creek Lane (Western Wallowas) at 3,500', but very similar to what we observed yesterday at 6,300' in Elkhorns.

Taken at 3,500' near Catherine Creek

Terrain Use

We skinned up the road, and then up the summer trail, eventually breaking off to head up East facing ridge of Van Patten.

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