Firm crusts and soft snow on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/23/2014 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 15.024" N, 119° 55' 28.596" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Warm daytime temperatures with a surface freeze due to radiational cooling overnight.  Evidence of rain up to 9900' with a surface rain crust-on shaded aspects the crust was firm and ski supportive, on solar aspects the crust had softened which was breakable in spots or soft and punchy in more sun exposed areas.  Small faceted grains were observed directly below the rain crust.  These facets were not reactive with tilts tests, CT's, or PST at this location.  Travel was challenging with the current snow conditions.

Photo#1:  Firm crusts and soft punchy snow and everything in between depending on sun exposure

Photo#2:  Basal depth hoar at snowpit location.

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

MVI 3143

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northwest