Snowpack

Johnson Creek

Caleb MerrillNorthern Wallowas
View on map
Observation photo 1

Quick report

Our observations were focused on looking for previous wet loose avalanches, any recent cornice failures, and to see how deep in the snowpack any water has percolated from the recent warmup.   We saw no new avalanches, no recent cornice failures, but did find moist snow from the surface down two feet below the surface.   The water has been able to reach to the 4" Melt Freeze Crust that was buried two weeks ago. 

Temperatures have been dropping at a slowish rate and have allowed for good bonding of any new snow to the old snow surface.  

Weather

Air Temp
37
Cloud Cover
broken
Wind Loading
none
Rain Elevation
6000
Recent Snowfall
3
Snow Avail For Transport
small smounts

We experienced a mix of Rain and Snow below 6,000' with intermittent snow showers above that elevation. Winds were calm to light/variable. Temperatures were in the mid 30's. Skies were moody- ranging from overcast to broken with the sun poking out, to low level clouds.

Snowpack

We found a strong snowpack that has seen water percolation through about the upper 2 feet down to the stout crust that was buried about 2 weeks ago.  The water has reached this crust and has started to break down the hardness of the crust.  The January Facets could be found about 2.5 feet from the surface and are well bonded and rounding.   No alarming snowpack test results were observed.