Tamarack Peak Snowpack Observations

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 11/30/2012 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 4.4976" N, 119° 55' 18.9336" 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: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Surprised by the lack of avalanche activity observed today in the Mt. Rose area.  Had some small shooting cracks off of the East Ridge of Tamarack Peak in wind loaded terrain but could not get any activity with small cornice drops or ski cutting.  No evidence of past recent avalanches that have been covered up by new snow in any of these areas.  Above 9500' and in the Hourglass area, where the persistant weak layers exist, there were no signs of any avalanche activity and this area saw high ski traffic today.  All the anchors are completely buried now in all the northerly start zones, cornices are building out but are still relatively small. 

Photo #1:  Small storm slab kicked off at 9000' below treeline.  Instability within the recent storm snow.

Photo #2:  9400' dropping cornice blocks on 35 degree avalanche slopes with no results.

 

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

mtrose2012 11 30 003

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow level at 6800' mid morning and dropping down to lake level by early afternoon.  Snowing consistently throughout the day at around 2''/hour.