Snow conditions prior to the storm on the east ridge of Tamarck Peak

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/15/2011 - 11:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 47.16" N, 119° 54' 18.4176" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Very little new snow has accumulated in the Mt. Rose area during the last 2 days. Most areas only had a trace of snow covering hard frozen crusts. Some isolated areas had up to 2 inches of new snow on the surface. Traditionally wind-loaded areas had no slab formation or recent wind-loading. In these areas the scoured surfaces remained. Stability tests showed mostly stable conditions in this area. Ski cuts produced no results.

Photo: Typical snow surface conditions in this area.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Even though the winds were consistantly strong enough to transport snow, there was very little snow available for transport. Without snow to move, very little wind-loading was occurring. Skies were clear east of Lake Tahoe. The Sierra Crest north of Emerald Bay had a large cloud bank on it all day.