Observations from Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/12/2015 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 3.1008" N, 119° 58' 47.1288" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pic 1: Widespread surface hoar observed on all aspects up to ridgelines, where it was being destroyed by winds

Pic 2 (can't get it to not auto-rotate, click on image to see it upright): Moderate+ NW winds already filling skin track back in, even though partner was just in front of me. Some cracking observed in thickest (15cm) wind slab deposits below ridgeline on SE aspect of Red Lake Peak - limited to underfoot with no propagation.

Unlike yesterday's observations S of Hwy 88, this area showed clear evidence of Dec 10th rain event up to high point of 9800ft. Rain crust was Knife hard, 5-8cm thick, and impenetrable to skis on slopes that previous to the rain event would have had a thin melt-freeze crust at the surface. On shady slopes and in the trees, the rain crust was thinner and weaker. Some early stage near crust faceting observed both above and below this crust on shady slopes.

Snowpack structure below storm snow/rain similar to that observed elsewhere in the forecast area, with previous facet/crust combo and moist basal facets on shady slopes. Intentional ski cuts of test slopes and several other skiers in the area on steep slopes failed to produce any signs of significant instability today. Some minor roller balling and loose wet observed on sunny slopes with exposed rocks.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Wind Direction: 
Northwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Warm, clear and sunny morning with afternoon ridgetop winds and increased cloud cover. Some light precip observed at Freel, Jobs, and Jobs Sister area beginning around 12pm.