Snowpit and cracking on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/30/2010 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 23.6784" N, 120° 14' 36.0384" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Obs made on east ridge of SIlver Peak. Wind loading occurring only during wind gusts with a mix of old and new snow transported. Pockets of unstable slab formed on the north side of the ridge. Instability occurring on a new density inversion.

Photo 1: Skier triggered cracking. Test pit dug just beyond end of crack.

Photo 2: Wind transport refilling skin track after 10 minutes in the pit.

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

20100130 Silver Peak ECTP.MOV

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

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Off and on snow showers with the occational brief sun break. Around 2 inches of new snow in wind protected areas above 7,000'.