Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Sunday, March 7th, N aspect at 8200' off of South Ridge w/ slope angle of 35 degrees. On a belayed ski cut initiated D1.5 wind slab avalanche. Crown approximately 50 yards wide, 1.5 feet deep, and ran for 300 feet. Pulled out at old/new interface.

Snow Stability

Bottom Line

The Northern Wallowas received about 6" of new snow on Saturday, March 6th. Moderate south winds overnight transported this new light density snow onto leeward N-E facing aspects below ridgeline creating 1-2' thick reactive wind slabs. As a demonstration for AIARE Level 2 course students I conducted a belayed and anchored ski cut on a north facing 35 degree slope at approximately 8200' along South Ridge. Initiated a D1.5 avalanche with crown approximately 18" deep, 50 yards wide, and it ran 300'. It broke at the old/new interface and consisted of 4F density wind-deposited snow. We verified the wind slab problem the 3/6 advisory listed as the primary concern.