Observations from Echo Lakes area

Photo 1: The windward side of Talking had +/-20cm of snow available for wind transport, but the 3cm of wet grains on top prevented wind transport even in the moderate winds. On ridgetops with less direct solar aspect, the surface layer held no free water and showed signs of NSF, but was not subject to wind transport. NSF also noted just below ridgetops on leeward side.

Photo 2: The Sisters, just to the right of Round Top, as seen from Talking. The Sisters and Elephants Back were the ONLY areas of obvious wind transport within view. Travellers in the area reported strong, variable winds, but most transported snow was held in turbulent suspension with irregular deposition.

Photo 3: Even in moderate winds (treetops and small trees in motion), Pyramid and surrounding peaks in Desolation area showed no signs of wind transport. Ski cuts on older wind roll at bottom of photo produced no results. We had clear views of Carson Pass area, Desolation, Carson Range, and Mt Rose, with no signs of wind transport as late as 12pm, with the lone exception being the S side of Carson Pass (photo 2). By 3pm, views from Meyers showed increased (but not widespread) wind transport on Echo and Tallac - snow was again held in turbulent suspension.

1cm surface hoar observed again today, but less prevalent than yesterday on Tallac.

Mid-slope and lower elevation surface snow was somewhat consolidated with minimal contrast to hard crust layer underneath.