Carson Pass Snowpit - 1/1/10 - ECTNR

Location Name: 
Carson Pass
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/01/2010 - 08:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 22.9092" N, 119° 59' 20.346" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 
We performed an Extended Column Test at Carson Pass on January 1, 2010.  The elevation was 8,650, North Aspect, 30 Degree Slope.  Snowpack at the pit location was 120cm deep and we encountered rounding basal facets for about 10cm at the base of the snowpack.  Shin-high boot pentration.

We obtained one moderate surface snow failure w/out propagation. The basal facets appear to be gaining strength and rounding.  ECTNR.

Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

On January 1st, there was an overcast sky, wind out of the SW with light snow falling.  Temps were warming and fog was rolling in.  Overnight, there had been relatively moderate winds and blowing snow.