Close
Wallowa Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 25, 2021 - March 28, 2021
Submitted:
April 5, 2021
Observer:
WAC - Victor McNeil
Zone or Region:
Southern Wallowas
Location:
Wallowas Traverse Norway Basin to Wallowa Lake

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
We observed wet loose avalanches on solar aspects up to 8,500'.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Spent the past 4 days crossing the Wallowa Mountains from Norway Basin to Wallowa Lake. On Thursday 3/25 we had low elevation snowfall all the way down to 3,000', and roughly 6" of new snow above 7,000'. We observed natural wet loose debris on lower elevation slopes on East-South-West aspects. On higher elevation North facing terrain we also observed Dry Loose avalanches on steep slopes greater than 35 degrees. It was easy to produce Dry Loose avalanches while ski cutting slopes greater than 35 degrees. Small pockets of wind slab were observed in the alpine on NE-N aspects. We did not observe any recent slab avalanches, except for one Wet Slab above Aneroid Lake on an East facing slope. The snow below 7,000' was getting saturated due to warm temperatures and elevated snow levels. High in the alpine, there were some glide cracks forming on Cusick and the surrounding peaks. On Sunday 3/28 the winds picked up out of the West and were scouring the alpine. As we departed the mountains large plumes were observed of Chief Joseph and the surrounding alpine peaks.

Media

Advanced Information

Close