Warming on Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Monday, April 6, 2020 - 11:30
Location: 
38.725224, -119.963929
See map: CalTopo
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No


Conditions Alerts:

  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Strong Sunshine
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Warm Temperatures
  • Recent Loading
  • Recent Loading›More Than a Foot of New Snow
Observation made by: Professional Observer

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

Toured up towards Red Lake Peak today. Warm temps and bright sun were transitioning the new snow very quickly. It appeared well over a foot of new snow fell in this area over the last few days. My tour was below tree line and understandably did not see evidence of wind effect in this area. On a north facing steep slope I did see repeatable cracking indicating storm slab instability. Trees in the sun were actively shedding snow. Open areas receiving sun were becoming wet (just below the surface) by noon. This resulted in some skin glopping, but also abundant sticking to the top of skis (and an amazing workout). 

Photo 1: By 10:30am snow had shed from the sunny side of many trees. Some of this appeared to have occurred yesterday, but plenty was occuring today as well. 

Photo 2: North facing below tree line steep slope at 7500' showing storm slab cracking. 

Photo 3: Open east & south facing terrain had a distinct wet layer just below surface. Below this developing crust, cold snow remained. 

Photo 4: Mostly clear skies and calm below tree line. 

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