Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 1, 2023 - January 2, 2023Submitted:
January 2, 2023Observer:
WAC - Killian Sump, MLKZone or Region:
Southern WallowasLocation:
Norway BasinSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
The Southern Wallowas received about three feet of new snow since the Christmas rain event (rain crust observed at 8,700 ft). There was a rain lens that formed near tree line in between pulses. After some initial instability the snowpack in general appears to be bonding. As higher pressure came, the winds picked up from the north over New Year’s Day and we observed wind slabs in isolated pockets in the alpine. Our pit on an east aspect showed failures 20cm (8 in) below the surface, but no propagation on that interface or on Christmas rain crust. Avalanches observed appeared to be between 8 and 12 inches deep and 30 feet wide.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyWind:
Moderate , NWAvalanche Observations
Older D2 storm slab avalanches observed from December 27, new small wind slabs D1 observed last two days
Snowpack Observations
E aspect
8,700 ft
37 degrees
CT14 BRK down20
ECTN down 20
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12 in |
|||
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 28 in |