Tamarack Peak Facet Observations

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/13/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 1.272" N, 119° 55' 6.852" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Test pits done at different elevations to look at strength of facets near the ground.  At both locations, the snow above the buried facets was dense 4f to 1f snow and mostly right side up and uniform.  Snowpack tests still show a concern for a persistent slab avalanche problem.

11:15 at 9200'.  N 39.32029 W -119.91241.  N/NW 332 degree aspect, slope angle 30, HS=120cm.  Facets above basal ice located in this area and elevation.  Facets were 1-2mm in size with some clumping when pressed together.  ECTX, PST 18/100 END on top of facets near ground, and DT-14 SC on facets near ground.

12:15 at 9760'.  N 39.31702 W -119.91857-noted coordinates of observation.  N 14 degree aspect, slope angle 24, HS=185cm.  Facets above basal ice located.  Facets 2-3mm with little to no clumping observed when pressed together.  DT-11 SC on facets near ground.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Rain up to 8000' on drive down pass by early afternoon.  Light blowing snow in area with full cloud cover and fog at peak level.