Observations from Talking and Flagpole

Location Name: 
Talking and Flagpole
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/21/2010 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 59.3004" N, 120° 4' 6.5784" 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: 

Yesterday's observed storm snow weakness appears to have "settled out." Several cornice kicks and ski cuts failed to produce results. Early stages of settlement cones seen on trees, and ski pen was significantly less than yesterday. Some ski cuts still produced sluffs, but they entrained far less snow and ran much shorter distances than yesterday.

Cornices and wind slabs are developing, yet no collapse or shooting cracks observed within slabs.

pic: (click on image for better detail) Significant wind loading seen at Little Round Top, along Meiss Ridge and Round Top / Elephant's Back areas. Similar conditions were seen at Pyramid Peak and Desolation Wilderness areas.

video: One of several cornice kicks and ski cuts with no results

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: