Schneedecke

Western Wallowas

Victor McNeilSouthern Wallowas
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Quick report

During our 4-day trip, we experienced a plethora of snow and weather conditions, including lightning and thunder on Thursday.  On Thursday night, the temperatures began to drop, along with the snow level, and at our camp near Elk Creek, we picked up 25cm or nearly a foot of new snow.  

On all aspects, many wet loose avalanches were observed from last week's warmup, primarily near treeline (6500-8,000'). After the new snow started falling on Friday, 3/28, we skied some steep slopes (>35 degrees) and the new snow was sliding easily on the stout crust.

Weather

Cloud Cover
broken
Wind Loading
moderate
Recent Snowfall
25
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

The weather was highly variable, with warm temperatures on Thursday, 3/27, cooling dramatically on Friday into the weekend. Friday was the snowiest day with 20cm falling, and an additional 5cm Friday night into Saturday AM. Winds were moderate and variable, ranging from the SW-NW.

Snowpack

The new snow falling on Friday, 3/28, slid easily on the stout crust while skiing on steep slopes near treeline.  By Sunday, the snow had cooled off dramatically and was bonding to the crust better, but we could still trigger Dry Loose avalanches on steep slopes.