Waterhouse Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Waterhouse Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Observation Date & Time: 
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 11:00
Location: 
38.776133, -119.965034
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No




Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

We toured up to Waterhouse Peak to monitor snowpack conditions in this area.  Recent NE winds have scoured most exposed terrain, but unconsolidated snow continues to exist in these wind protected below treeline areas.  Around 2'' of soft snow existed on top of a firm crust towards the bottom of the peak with up to 4 to 5'' at the top of the peak with a softer old snow surface.  Limited snow exists along the southern side of ridgelines with little signs of newly formed wind slabs from the recent NE winds.  The snow surface did not have snow melt at 11am at around 9000' on SE aspects, but did show a sun crust starting to form on these aspects

Weak faceted snow that formed during the record dry Jan/Feb timeframe remains in this area.  This crust/facet combination at this location is at the weaker end of the spectrum that we have seen throughout the forecast area from the Jan/Feb dry spell.  It is currently not a problem because of limited snow above the weak layer and no slab at this point.  We would need a real storm to load this layer to create a future avalanche problem.  

 

Hide Terrain Details
Terrain: elevations: 
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Terrain: aspects: 
NW
N
NE
E
SE
S
Hide Weather Details
Elevation of Observation: 
8000 - 9000 ft.
Above 9000 ft.
Blowing Snow: 
Previous
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Wind Speed: 
Light
Sky Cover: 
Scattered - Partly Cloudy - 3/8 to 4/8 covered
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
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