Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 12, 2022Submitted:
March 12, 2022Zone or Region:
Southern WallowasActivity:
Snowmobiling/SnowbikingLocation:
CornucopiaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
8800 feet, above treelineAspect:
SComments:
Late afternoon we saw a wet loose avalanche on the south side of Red Mountain above Norway Basin. We observed the avalanche from Table Top. We had observed the area earlier in the day and there was no sign of avalanche activity. As the solar aspects warmed throughout the sunny afternoon, a natural triggered wet loose avalanche occurred. Looked as though it released below an exposed rock band near the top of Red Mountain.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
We traveled from about 3500 feet up to 7800 feet while looking into Simmons creek, east fork of pine creek, blue creek, and the head of clear creek. Cornice development was prominent along the east side of Table Top as viewed from the east side of clear creek reservoir. Winds were mild in the AM but picked up in the afternoon as the temperatures increased. The winds picked up from the SE with light deposit on the leeward slopes. On our ride back to the trailhead at 3:00 PM, we noticed some significant sun glare on south facing aspects above tree line. If the forecasted snowfall occurs overnight, the bonding between the existing snow layer and the new snow load will be poor due to today’s warm temperatures in the afternoon.
Submitted by Tim Smith