Weak Dec 2nd facet layer near Grouse Rocks

Location Name: 
Grouse Rocks
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/14/2012 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 8' 7.44" N, 120° 14' 27.888" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Despite the proximity to the Alpine Meadows Ski Area, the snowpack in this area is in a backcountry state and should be treaded as such. The Dec 2nd facet layer in this area showed the most unstable snowpit test results yet seen on this layer. The snow crystals that make up this layer are likely to continue to loose strength and may not handle new snow loading very well over the next week or two.

Video: Showing the location and look of the Dec 2nd facet layer.

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

20121214 Grouse

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Occasional very, very light snow showers. No accumulation.