Observations from Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 11/24/2010 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 49.6008" N, 119° 58' 57.4176" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pic 1: Natural sluffing on E Back that failed to produce slab avalanches.

Pic 2: Recent natural small slab avalanches on ridge between Stevens PK and Red Lake Pk. Note debris in gully - originated out of frame lookers right.

Pic 3: Very small human triggered on Red Lake Pk (upper right)

Pic 4: Crown of same. Note how localized the slab was.

Pic 5: Settlement - this was on N facing slope in Crater Lake basin - very cold.

Surprisingly strong solar input today, with cold temps in the shade and distinct inversion. Calm winds, though occasionally we saw E winds on distant features. Lots of evidence of previous SW winds, though slab formation wasn't very thick and was very localized.

Informal tests pointed to stability, and we felt comfortable skiing both the N aspect of Red Lake Pk and the more complex and bigger terrain towards the highway.

 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: