Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Ascended from Sno Park near Cayuse Camp using NF-4315 until 4.6k’, then aggressively climbed up exposed ridge to bypass forestry road switchbacks up to Sasse Ridge Trail around 5.1k’. Conditions observed in lower elevations when ascending matched dry loose conditions (was kicking up loose dry carbs).

Followed trail up to 47.3859, -121.0432, then aggressively took ridge out of habit.

Observed wind slab and cornice conditions described earlier along ridge, but attempted to stay on top of ridge.

Took a gamble and went lower to cut trip distance since I was running into heavier snowpack around West Fork Teanaway Trail junction at 47.3900, -121.0307, then realized risk was greater than originally advertised, so I retook ridge.

Observed wind fetch in basin along trail up to Jolly Mountain summit, along with some cornices. Stuck to northern/eastern aspects up to ridge spine near summit as they weren’t under cornices and were planar surfaces with wind scouring.

Followed my original route out, staying high on Sasse Ridge Trail.

Didn’t observe new avalanche debris, but saw a fair bit of surface hoar snow on trip due to cold exposed nights, suggesting future persistent slab issues.

Temperature starting at car was around 24 degrees F and temperature ending at car was around 36 degrees F. Day was mostly obscured by clouds after 10:00 and there were small flurries around 11:30 near Sasse Ridge/Jolly Mountain summit.