Close
Wallowa Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 19, 2022
Submitted:
January 19, 2022
Observer:
WAC - Caleb
Zone or Region:
Southern Wallowas
Location:
Western Wallowas: Flagstaff Butte

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Low avalanche danger was observed with a generally stable snowpack. Although no facets were found above or below the 1/6 Rain Crust, it should be a layer to track into the future and we may see failure at this layer once a load is added to the snowpack.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
-3 c
Wind:
Light , SW

1/2 in. of new snow overnight. Mostly Cloudy skies. Light SW wind. No snow being transported.

Avalanche Observations

None

Snowpack Observations

The snowpack in this location was generally strong. At this location, the 1/6 Rain Crust is about 4"/10cm from the surface. I did not see any weak faceted snow around this crust, however I did see some melt forms associated with the recent warm temperatures. I conducted a compression test and results included Resistant Planar results on the layer below the 1/6 Rain Crust as well as on an interface that includes 3 mm graupel snow at a hardness change in the snowpack 16"/40cm below the surface.

Close