Quick Pit and Obs from Poulsen's Peak

Location Name: 
Poulsen's Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Thursday, December 16, 2021 - 13:00
Location: 
39.209863, -120.235251
See map: CalTopo
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No


Conditions Alerts:

  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Rollerballs / Pinwheels
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Strong Sunshine
  • Recent Loading
  • Recent Loading›Blowing Snow
  • Recent Loading›More Than a Foot of New Snow

Terrain Alerts: 
Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees
Obvious Slide Path
Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

We went on a short tour this afternoon to take a look at conditions before a full weekend of guiding. Our ascent was primarily on southern aspects, where coverage was impressive and no signs of instability were observed. As we approached treeline, small sections of the skintrack (set earlier today) were becoming obscured by blowing snow. Near the top of Poulsen's Peak (7,650') we dug a quick snowpit on a NE aspect. This location was certainty wind loaded, with an HS of 220cm.

After digging to the ground, we were unable to find signs of faceted early season snow. The 220cm's of snow presented as 1 layer, but after closer evaluation, we did discover some hardness changes. The basic hardness was as follows: 220-185cm (Fist), 185-140 (4F), 140-135 (F+)*, 135-Ground (1F). 

A quick CT and ECT both failed 60cm's down (at 140cm) on what we suspect is a buried wind slab. CTM13 and ECTP23.

Our descent choice was the west facing side of Poulsen's Peak. The very top was quite scoured by wind, but ~150' down coverage improved dramatically. The upper half was wind affected, and lower half was sun affected, with significant roller ball activity on each turn. 

Hide Snowpack Details
Total Snow Depth: 
220cm
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Not observed
Hide Terrain Details
Terrain: elevations: 
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Terrain: aspects: 
NE
S
W
Hide Weather Details
Elevation of Observation: 
6000-7000 ft.
7000 - 8000 ft.
Blowing Snow: 
Light
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Wind Speed: 
Light
Sky Cover: 
Few - Mostly Clear - up to 2/8 covered
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
BESbswy