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Wallowa Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 7, 2021
Submitted:
March 9, 2021
Zone or Region:
Northern Wallowas
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Shelter ridge

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Elevation:
8200
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Observed an intentionally skier triggered slide on the N side of South Ridge from 7500 ft on Shelter ridge.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

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.

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