Facets on East Ridge of Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 11/20/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 50.472" N, 119° 54' 57.492" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Faceted snow that developed in the old snow before this past storm system is becoming a more reactive weak layer.  All stability tests indicated that propagation is likely and that shear failure was fast and clean. Pit location was at 9500' on a north aspect and no evidence of rain to this altitude was found.  The recent wet heavy storm snow has formed into a strong slab and provides good support for a skier.  Ski pen was 10-15cm while Boot pen was up to 60cm.  There was 1 whump while digging the pit but other than that there were no signs of any instabilities throughout the day.       

Video #2:  ECTP-13 Q1 on faceted old snow layer

Video #2:  PST 22/100 END on faceted snow

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

MtRose2012 11 20 001

MtRose2012 11 20 002

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: