Reactive basal facets on Incline Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Incline Lake Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/08/2014 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 40.1856" N, 119° 56' 24.9684" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Pit dug on N aspect low angle slope at 9,500'. Basal facets are loose grain and still reactive despite some evidence of rounding. This weak layer has been entirely unaffected by the plethora of ski tracks on this slope due to the high density, supportable mid pack. Snowpit tests indicate a high likelihood of propagation over distance if collapse of this weak layer is triggered. If high intensity new snow loading for later this week verifies as advertised, this may be sufficient load to cause concern for deep persistent slab avalanches in areas of steeper terrain holding a similar snowpack structure.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20141208 PST Incline Lake Pk, NV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest