Wing Ridge, Northern Wallowas

The wind was having its way in the alpine today. Significant wind transport was occurring throughout the day loading northerly aspects below ridgeline and cross-loading mid-slope leeward terrain features like ribs and gullies. We found 12" thick reactive wind slabs on northerly aspects above 7500'.

On small test slopes with overhanging cornices I was able to trigger pockets of wind slab up to 12" deep on northerly aspects at 8,000'. No natural avalanches were observed.

Below treeline there was easily over 12" of light density powder with about 2" of new snow in the last 24 hours. The snow quality was high. At treeline and above the moderate southerly winds had scoured southerly slopes and created significant deposition on northerly aspects. We found reactive wind slabs up to 12" thick on the northside of the East Ridge of Pyramid Peak above 7500'.  There was wind-affected snow visible across 1st Bowl, Pyramid Peak, and Wing Ridge proper. It should be noted there has been impressive cornice formation and build-up since last weekend. The significant build-up will make overhanging cornices especially prone to failure under the weight of a person.

As today marks the seven year anniversary of the death of our dear friend Kip Rand from a cornice fall on Chief Joseph Mountain, it is important to remember to give overhanging cornices wide berth. Make sure you are on terra firma - look for trees and exposed rocks along with staying on the windward side of ridges.