Observations from Grouse Rocks

Location Name: 
Grouse Rocks
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/13/2014 - 13:15
Location Map: 
United States
39° 8' 10.2444" N, 120° 14' 38.6664" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Limited evidence of instability observed in the Grouse Rocks area today. Minor cracking only in previously undercut areas and when weighting the slope within a few feet of the undercut (photo 2). Failure was a density difference within the recent storm snow. Testpit results dug in wind slab near the summit ridgeline (noted lat/long, ENE aspect, 8,350') yielded ECTN results (photo 1). Surface hoar 3 to 4 mm was observed in below treeline open areas (photos 3&4).

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest