Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 22, 2021Submitted:
March 23, 2021Observer:
WAC - Tom GuthrieZone or Region:
Southern WallowasLocation:
Western WallowasSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None Experienced
Observed poor stability on steep south facing terrain.
Snow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Dry loose avalanches easily triggered on steep south facing terrain.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredTemperature:
26Wind:
Light , NWAt the time the avalanche was observed there was 8” of new snow. It snowed on and off all day about a centimeter per hour. The snow I was traveling through showed very little signs of wind transport. There was evidence of of light wind scouring at 8000’ from the light northwest wind that was blowing.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Past 24 hours |
South facing slope in the western Wallowas. Start zone at 7800’. S 7800’ down to 7400’ |
D2 | L | I-New/Old Interface | 8” |
AS-Skier c-Intentional |
Avalanche occurred at noon on Monday 3/22. Avalanche was triggered on a 34 degree slope via ski cut. The new snow is poorly bonded to the crust that it rests upon. This problem might intensify today as the sun comes out worsening an already tenuous bond at the new snow / old snow interface. |
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| 1 |
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| 1 |
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None |
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None Specified |
|
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| None Specified |
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Terrain Use
All terrain at or steeper than 35 degrees was closed.
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