A washing machine appliance and method of operation are generally provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a first pair of diagonal feet, a second pair of diagonal feet, a tub, a basket, a measurement device, a motor, and a controller. The motor may be configured for selectively rotating the basket within the tub. The controller may be in operative communication with the motor and the measurement device. The controller may be configured for rotating the basket for a first period, monitoring movement of the cabinet between the first pair of diagonal feet and between the second pair of diagonal feet during the rotating, determining a first diagonal movement value, determining a second diagonal movement value, evaluating one or both of the diagonal movement values against a predetermined value, and transmitting a stability signal.