We spotted this avalanche from a distance, likely released around mid-day yesterday (2/25), and decided to get a closer look. This avalanche occurred on an east-facing slope at 8400 feet, breaking approximately 3-4 feet deep and running down to an elevation of 6200 feet. We suspect this wind-loaded slope released due to a cornice fall during yesterday's strong winds, starting with dry snow before entraining a significant amount of wet snow as it moved down the mountain. While we were unable to access the crown, the connectivity of this slab suggests it failed on a faceted weak layer.

We could see evidence of several other recent natural avalanches and large cornice falls in the area, but this one was much bigger than the others.

I took a picture of the plumes of drifting snow coming off the Wellsville Range late Tuesday afternoon.... It appears that the avalanche in Hell Canyon had already occurred.