Snowpack observations from the far east ridge of Tamarack and the north side of Fireplug

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 03/18/2011 - 13:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.08" N, 119° 54' 41.3892" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Strong southwest winds were transporting snow onto the leeward aspects throughout the day. By 1pm the resulting winds slabs had only reached 2-4 inches in most places. Only one ski cut on one NE facing test slope resulted in shooting crack about 8 ft long. The 10-15 other ski cuts on wind-loaded slopes did not produce any results unless the slope had already been undercut. On the backside of the Fireplug, ski cuts on less wind-loaded test slopes in near and below treeline terrain also did not show any signs of instability. On the sheltered slopes, soft, unconsolidated snow existed. On the wind loaded slopes a sometimes supportable sometimes breakable wind crust exists. On the wind scoured W-SW-S aspects the winds had stripped the surface back to a firm crust.

Photo: Skier triggered crack in the newly formed wind slab on a undercut slope.

Video: Wind transport of old snow.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20110318fartam 008

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: