Island Park

This wet loose avalanche is a great example of where they often occur. Rocks absorb extra heat from the sun and can quickly melt and destabilize the snow. Either move under areas like this early in the morning (as we did), or if you have to travel under them later in the day, move quickly.

This wet loose avalanche is a great example of where they often occur. Rocks absorb extra heat from the sun and can quickly melt and destabilize the snow. Either move under areas like this early in the morning (as we did), or if you have to travel under them later in the day, move quickly.

Skied Hellroaring Hut in the Centennials from Friday Mar 28 through Mon Mar 31.

Skied and observed all aspects between 7700' and 10,200' in the vicinity of Mt Jefferson and Reas Peak.

We had good visibility for three days and saw no signs of slab avalanches; no whumphing or cracking; and no signs of blowing or drifting snow (prior to new snow arriving today (Mar 31) snow surface was locked up with solid melt-freeze crusts on all aspects and elevations).

Snow surface starting to show meltwater runnels on S through E aspects below 9000'.

Test pits on N and S aspects at 9100' revealed moist snow under melt-freeze crusts (3" thick breakable crust on N aspects; 10" thick stout crust on S aspects) and no identifiable layers of concern in the upper 130 cm of the snowpack. HS 165 cm on S aspect at 9100' and HS 260 cm on N aspect at 9100'.

We observed pinwheels and predictable wet loose avalanches (D1 to D1.5) on solar aspects above 8000' on Fri and Sat.

Snow started this morning (3/31) and 2.5" of new snow had accumulated when we left at 11:00 a.m. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the south today.

Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

We need your input! Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous.