Sensitive storm slabs on Rubicon

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/06/2016 - 11:05
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 35.8512" N, 120° 7' 36.5844" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

On our tour today we found thin, stiff storm slabs in the elevation range of 7400-8400'. The slab ranged from 4-8" thick, and hand shear tests either failed upon isolation, or with very light pressure. This harder slab layer was most present in open areas, and not as present in dense trees. This layer was mostly 4F hard sitting on F hard new snow. We did see small shooting cracks in wind slabs near the summit on NE facing terrain, but this was limited to this on area only. No other signs of instability on our tour today. 

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

Snow showers off and on today with light SW winds.