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Wallowa Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 19, 2022 - January 19, 2022
Submitted:
January 20, 2022
Observer:
WAC - Michael Hatch
Zone or Region:
Blues
Location:
Spout Springs, OR

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
None Observed.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

A week of mild weather with mild temps, little precipitation, and light winds has helped to strengthen the snowpack. On 1/20 snow levels are predicted to rise to 7,000' with upwards of .5" rain possible. This will create unstable conditions on steep slopes >35 degrees at lower elevations.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
32F
Wind:
Calm

The Blues received 2-3" of snow late Wednesday night. This moist snow was bonding well to the varied surface conditions brought about by a week or more of mild weather. The winds were calm and temperature hovering close to 32F.

Avalanche Observations

No recent avalanches observed.

Snowpack Observations

The snowpack at 5300' on a NE aspect was 160cm deep. The top 20cm was moist with a rain crust down 10cm below the new snow and another crust down 20cm below 10cm of 1F rounding precipitation particles. The rest of the observed snowpack, down a total of 80cm, was right-side up and strong. No results in snowpack tests - ECTX.

Avalanche Problems

Normal Caution

Terrain Use

The mild weather we've had for over a week has allowed the snowpack around Spout Springs to gain strength. No red flags were observed and snowpack tests indicated predominantly stable conditions. There were no concerns moving through the terrain.

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