E aspect wet snow observations from Rubicon Peak.

This morning's tour went to Rubicon Peak to look at surface wet snow on E aspects in the 7,000' to 9,000' elevation range. As we get further away from winter solstice, the sun angle and amount of incoming solar radiation continues to increase. This continues to increase the amount of wet snow development on true E aspects.

Ascending up the north slopes of Rubicon Peak there was 0.5 to 2 inches of recent storm snow with the greater amounts above 7,500'. In areas open enough not to have forest canopy, I found the expected recent new snow over older near surface facets. As in other locations, facets were absent under tighter forest canopy. The recent new snow has reduced the roughness of the old snow surfaces and improved travel conditions. As I moved up into near treeline terrain, I encountered no wind slabs.

Moving onto E aspect terrain below the summit at 11 am, snow surface melt was present. I encountered recent new snow transitioning to melt-freeze above 8,500'. In this zone I was able to trigger some minor roller balls off of turns. Once I had descended to 8,400-8,500' the recent new snow had fully assimilated with the older melt-freeze layer below it. About 1 inch of corn was present on E aspects at 8,500' and below in the 11am to noon time frame. Winds were stronger than forecast today, especially at mid slope, but did not seem to have much of an effect on slowing snow surface melt in sun exposed areas.