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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 2, 2021 - March 2, 2022
Submitted:
March 2, 2022
Observer:
WAC - Killian Sump
Zone or Region:
Southern Wallowas
Location:
Pine Creek, East Fork Pine

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Rain saturated snow surface snow, observed wet loose avalanches in process and multiple D1-D2 wet loose avalanches from yesterday, March 1st.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

In the Southern Wallowas we received 2-3 inches of new snow Sunday the 27th. The warm front continued, temperatures rose and we received a light dosage of moisture (.1 in water) in last 48 hours, mainly in the form of rain. Rain/Snow line rose to 8500 ft last night. We went out today and observed numerous active wet loose avalanches and some larger debris from yesterday.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
36
Wind:
Light , S

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Past 24 hours East Fk Pine
N 5400 		D1.5 WL O-Old Snow 2.5 ft N-Natural

Numerous small wet loose avalanches and observed occasional larger D2 debris from yesterday (not pictured)

Snowpack Observations

Larger natural avalanches seem to be present on slopes that were holding enough preserved surface snow prior to the rain event. This includes NW, N, NE, and E aspects. The rain saturated the top layer of the snowpack and was able to entrain more snow on these aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wet Loose

Terrain Use

Avoided any avalanche terrain and stayed on trail just to get observations

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