Obervations from Carpenter Peak Area

Location Name: 
Carpenter Peak
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 45.9216" N, 120° 18' 27.5364" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

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About 1' of cold unconsolidated snow in this area sitting on top of the variety of old surface crusts.  In upper elevation north facing terrain this crust was thin and could not be felt but most aspects the old surface crust provided a bottom to the snowpack.  Surface hoar, 6-8mm, was present on all aspects and up to the ridgelines, it had not been destroyed by the east winds as of midday.  East winds picked up by late morning and blowing snow was observed only on the higher peaks and ridgelines in the area.  There is plenty of available snow for transport but at our location at that time there was no significant blowing snow.  Winds were forecasted to strengthen into the strong range throughout the day.

 

Photo#1: North side of Castle Peak showing wind blowing snow from the moderate east winds

Photo#2:  Surface hoar at 8200' on ridgeline.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Cold overnight temps with east flow keeping it cool in the high country.  East winds began to pick up into the moderate range by late morning/midday.