Hidden Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 04/01/2012 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 36.0336" N, 120° 7' 20.4708" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

14-20'' of new storm snow in the west shore area.  There was lots of snow surface evidence of previous blowing snow during/after the storm.  The upper surface layer had a heavier layer on top which was especially noticable in more open terrain.  There was a distinct density change about 8-10'' down made up of large plates and stellar crystals.  This layer was reactive with ECT's, hand pits, and with some ski cuts.  Bonding was good between the new storm snow and the old rain crust.  The rain crust was strong and consistently felt with most turns in steeper terrain.  By 11am the snow was feeling heavier on all aspects, small roller ball activity started to occur on E-N aspects.

Photo:  Point release off of SE rocks stepped down into a small slab on E aspect, 35-40 degrees, 8800-8000'.  Very little propagation.  Failure thought to be within the new storm snow on the density change of large plates/stellars.

Video:  ECTP-2, Q2, x2.  Failing down 8'' within the storm snow on a density change with large, 4-6mm, plates and stellars.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

hiddenpeak2012-4-1 004.avi

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

Sun peeking out by 9am and pretty full solar radiation by 11am.