Observations from Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/22/2012 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 12.6228" N, 119° 58' 31.062" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pics 1 and 2: 2 adjacent test slopes well away from typical wind loading had reactive though shallow and soft wind slabs developing by mid afternoon. 8000ft elevation, N aspect, 40 degree slope. Debris ran full length of terrain features.

Pic 3: Low density PPs and graupel was failure layer for above small slides.

Less steep test slopes and small terrain features produced shooting cracks but no slope failures, from the parking at Alpine Mine Rd and hwy 88, to my high point at provided lat/long.

At provided lat/long at 8900ft, NE aspect, 25 degree slope: HS 245cm, HSt 60cm, Dec 12th facets down 95cm and Dec 2nd down 110cm. I initially isolated columns for PSTs on Dec 2 facet layer, but the Dec 12 facet layer was much more continuous and uniform, generating more concern. 2x PST 35/125 (end) down 95cm. Weather did not provide decent filming opportunity.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

A break in snowfall rate was observed between 2pm and 4pm - otherwise rates were 1" per hour and greater.