Observations from Roundtop

Location Name: 
Carson Pass
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 03/18/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 39' 48.0852" N, 120° 0' 7.9308" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

North facing slopes near above 8000 feet on Carson Pass remain wintery. Surface conditions in these locations are a mix of firm chalky snow with some crusts randomly mixed in. 

Very different conditions observed on nearby South facing slopes that were corning up around 10:30, although this was elevation dependent with lower elevation slopes transitioning faster. Although surface snow had transitioned to a melt freeze form, this metamorphic process had not yet smoothed out the overall snow surface and significant wind affect texturing was still present. 

Significant previous loose wet slide avalanche activity recently occurred in this area. Many examples of broken cornice sections were present and several large cracks in the back of cornices were observed. 

Photo 1: North facing near ridge line terrain. Featuring a mix of melt freeze crust and chalky snow. 

Photo 2: Large cracks beneath cliffs on steep north facing slope where the snow slopes meets the cliffs. 

Photo 3: Recent roller ball activity just below 10,000 feet on a south facing slope. 

Photo 4: Deep crack as the overhanging section of cornice breaks away. This crack was at least 5 feet deep and dripping water could easily be seen as the warm temps and sun melted surface snow. 

Photo 5: Still some rime remaining on ridge line trees around 10,000 feet. 

 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: