Reactive column tests from Red Lake

Location Name: 
Red Lake
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/04/2012 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 51.9684" N, 119° 58' 8.3532" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

2x ECTP 21 (SC) down 85cm on facets just above Jan 26th rain crust

2x ECTP 24 (SC) down 85cm

Top of faceted layer observed at 70cm down

1x PST 45/100 (END) down 70cm

Slab appeared to be strong enough to promote propogation on windloaded N,NE aspects in this area. NW aspects did not have sufficient slab to promote propogation, though weak faceted layer existed.

Only N, NE aspects remained cold today. All other aspects observed to undergo melting at surface, with widespread pinwheeling.

One natural R2 D1 at similar aspect/elevation to column tests, likely from Thursday or Friday, that failed at density change and did not step down to deeper faceted layer.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: