Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 7, 2021Submitted:
March 9, 2021Zone or Region:
Northern WallowasActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Shelter ridgeObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Elevation:
8200Aspect:
NComments:
Observed an intentionally skier triggered slide on the N side of South Ridge from 7500 ft on Shelter ridge.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
At 7500 ft on an East facing, 32 degree treed aspect of Shelter Ridge our group saw about 10cm of unconsolidated new storm snow. CT resulted in CT1 resistant planar at 10cm and 15cm depths, as well as CT24 sudden planar at 56cm (under the 2/22 rain crust). In total snow depth at this location was 240cm. We had broken sky cover, light winds, and light snow in the afternoon with a long period of sunshine mid-day.
These results and observed avalanche activity verified our assumptions that the south winds and recent snowfall would produce reactive wind slabs on NNE/leeward slopes at and above tree line with some additional cross loading observed below tree line . We decided to stay off slopes >35 degrees and below tree line and skied a fun tree line back down to Salt Creek Summit.