New snow and gale force wind on Incline Lake Peak.

Location Name: 
Incline Lake Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/30/2014 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 48.858" N, 119° 56' 33.1836" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

New snow amounts of 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches) and gale force ENE winds were observed in this area today. Newly formed wind slabs 15 to 60 cm (0.5 to 2 feet) deep were observed along ridgelines by 1:30pm. Localized cracking was observed, but was not widespread. Gale force winds were transporting most of the snow far down slope. The deepest, unstable sections of new wind slab in lee areas near the ridgeline did not extend very far down slope as deposition high in avalanche start zones was limited.

Significant wind scouring was observed near and above treeline as well as in some upper elevation below treeline areas on all N-NE-E aspects traveled.

Photo 1: Skier triggered cracking of newly formed wind slab, SW aspect, 9,370'. Photo taken immediately W of noted lat/long.

Photo 2: Wind scouring at treeline, NE aspect, 9,300'. Photo taken immediately E of noted lat/long.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour