Quick report
Observed one recent natural avalanche at 7,400' on a NE aspect near the Kip Rand weather station. This occurred on 12/19 with the new snow that was wind loaded onto a steep slope.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 10
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Beautiful day with few clouds light to calm wind.
Snowpack
The weakest snow is still at the bottom of the snowpack above 7,000'. Weak facets (sugar snow) is prevalent and we will likely see this layer come alive when we see a major loading event. I've observed failure at the ground in numerous snowpits in the Southern Wallowas and Elkhorns. This is a persistent weak layer that may not strengthen for a long time if ever throughout this winter. Once we have a deep snowpack, it will be more difficult to trigger this weak layer.
Avalanche
- Size
- D1 R1
- Type
- SS
- Aspect
- NE
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 7400 ft
Wind slab avalanche that released naturally around the 12/19 storm. The snow and associated wind on 12/19 delivered around 10cm or 4" of heavy snow above 7,000'. Winds from the WSW loaded NE-facing aspects. This was the only observed natural avalanche.