Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Enji Cooper
Observation Date:
January 2, 2021
Submitted:
January 8, 2021
Zone or Region:
East South
Activity:
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Location:
Meadow Butte

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Snowshoed up road starting at Quigley Butte (45.9840, -121.3936) to Meadow Butte (46.0131, -121.4120).

Snow conditions were slushy when I arrived due to temperatures (low 40s), plus precipitation input (drizzle, which progressed into rain as I snowshoed).

The snowpack was low and much of the snowshoe didn't go over avalanche terrain, but the snowshoes (MSR Evos with fins) fully compressed the snow down to the base (2" average; ~6" at most).

The steepest slope I went up was over 25° under trees and was low enough coverage and low enough consequence that I wasn't concerned about getting buried or pushed downhill into a terrain trap.

Media

Undisturbed snowpack on the road right below Meadow Butte lookout.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wet Loose
Comments: 
Noticed some old avalanche debris (D1) near Meadow Butte lookout.
WordPress Lightbox