Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 25, 2021Submitted:
February 25, 2021Observer:
WAC - Victor McNeilZone or Region:
Southern WallowasLocation:
Western Wallowas-Burger ButteSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
Spent the day up in the Western Wallowas near and below treeline, below 7,400'. We found generally good stability in two pits at 7,300' on a NW aspect. The 2/22 crust was down 20cm or 8" and we had mixed results in our testing on this layer. Once this stout crust has a real slab on it, we are likely going to see more activity. Skiing steep terrain >35 degrees there was pretty significant sluff or dry loose activity. Winds were light at the elevations we traveled, and we picked up about 3" during the afternoon.
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Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
-7.5Wind:
CalmThe weather was pretty fair today. Skys were overcast to obscured and about 3" of snow fell in the PM. Plenty of snow available for transport. Cold temperatures throughout the day.
Avalanche Observations
We did not observe any Red Flags or natural avalanches.
Snowpack Observations
The main layer we were targeting today was the rain crust that formed on 2/22. This layer is pretty stout and has been observed up to 8,600' in the Western Wallowas and Elkhorns this week. Tom did get a full propagation down 20cm on the 15th hit on his Extended Column Test. I did not get any results in two Compression Tests on this layer. There was no slab on this "bed surface" but that will change by tomorrow. Overall we were happy with the snowpack structure and strength today, but again this will be a different story by tomorrow.
Terrain Use
Today we used the "Stepping Out" mindset.
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