West Shore Observations

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/26/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 31.4688" N, 120° 7' 28.6608" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

A large change from yesterday in the West Shore area.  No signs of cracking or shooting cracks present in any terrain, below treeline or on the upper ridges and peak.  The NE/E winds were moving some light amounts of snow only on the upper ridges and the peak.  Trail breaking below treeline was up to skipen of 40cm but up higher, >8400', skipen went down to 10-15cm in more exposed terrain.  Several hand pits below treeline still revealed the density change in the storm snow but settlement has occurred and the bonds have strengthened in the lower storm snow.  ECT's at higher elevations did not show that propagation was likely within the storm snow.  Ski kicks, ski cutting and stomping on cornices all produced no results of instabilities.  Settlement cones around trees forming even with the very cold temps.  Good visibility looking into Desolation Wilderness, didn't see any signs of recent avalanche activity. 

Photos:  Showing the upper elevations, >9000', with wind scouring from the NE/E winds.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

HiddenPeak2011 02 26 004

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

75% cloud cover in the morning with some clearing into the afternoon.  NE/E winds were light but just enough to move some snow on the very top ridges and peaks.  Very cold temps up high.  No precip.