Quick report
Observed good skiing conditions with dry snow from the snow on the ascent at all elevations above tree line. Ski descent conditions were less favorable. Started skiing from the summit block at 1:30pm. Above 5000ft, the N/NW aspects of the White Salmon remained stable and deep although increasingly heavy as we descended. Below 5000ft, we found very unstable snow on both the N and NW aspects of the main ski descent. There are many large debris fields below the glacier as the valley flattens out. We suggest anyone eyeing this route start early enough to descend before noon. Ascending the valley back to the ski area, we saw no signs of instability as snow levels were low.
Avalanche
Large debris fields in the valley from wet loose avalanches. Some looked to be fresh from the prior day and some older from prior weeks. Our partner intentionally ski cut on a steep N slope and triggered a D1.5 wet loose to flush the slope before descending. The wet, warm snow consolidated quickly and slowly moved to the valley floor.