Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Bottom Line

I traveled with another forecaster today in the Western Wallowas between 6,000'-8,600'. We observed a variety of conditions, from wind blown snow, sun crust, melt freeze crust, sastrugi, and areas with preserved powder. A couple of old crowns from last week's storm were still visible, one which had failed on the 2/22 rain crust. Overall the temperatures were staying cool enough in the alpine that we didn't observe any wet loose activity. At the end of the day heading back to the snowmobiles, the snow below 7,000' was getting warm and melting on the surface.