Close
Wallowa Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 17, 2021 - March 17, 2021
Submitted:
March 18, 2021
Observer:
WAC - Michael Hatch
Zone or Region:
Elkhorns
Location:
Poster Ridge, Anthony Lakes

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
No red flags observed

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

The snowpack up around Anthony Lakes is fairly consolidated and strong. The snow surface was variable - some spots were sun softened and others were crusty. On Poster Ridge above A-Lakes at an elevation of 8100' on an E aspect we had the following results: 245cm HS; ECTX. There are several melt-freeze crusts within the top 60cm of the snowpack. While these were unreactive in our tests I still would keep an eye on these, especially the crust about 60cm down. A warmer day on Thursday ahead of the cold front may allow melted water to pool at this impermeable layer increasing instability. This will be most noteworthy at lower elevations where a hard freeze overnight was unlikely.

Media

Advanced Information

Close