Impressive depth hoar and snow temp gradient in Hourglass.

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak - Hourglass Bowl
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 11/17/2014 - 11:25
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 8.238" N, 119° 55' 13.0728" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Impressive loose grain depth hoar crystals and very strong temperature gradients on the order of 30 to 100 deg C/m were observed in the snowpack on shaded true N aspects in this area today. Snowpack height of 10 to 20 cm, with just enough coverage to create an efficient bed surface in a number of areas. All other aspects are either melted out or hold only very small, mostly insignificant patches of shallow snow cover. The depth hoar on N aspects in this area is the most concerning snowpack observed so far this fall. Continued monitoring for eventual overlying slab development is warranted. In essence the trap is constructed and in place, waiting to be baited with a new snow.

Photo 1: Snow cover across Hourglass Bowl showing continuous coverage on N to NNE aspects transitioning to bare ground on E aspects.

Photo 2: Snow cover at the snowpit location, N aspect at 9,760'.

Photo 3: Sample from the 0 to 10 cm layer, 4 to 6mm depth hoar crystals.

 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Air temperature trend: 
Warming