Observations from Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 0.48" N, 119° 58' 36.12" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Much less wind transport than expected. Windward aspects above treeline already stripped of snow avail for transport. Below treeline, E aspects held 30 to 50cm F hard snow, but a very subtle, light surface crust existed - preventing snow from transport under moderate winds. As winds increased to strong in the afternoon, light crust was overcome, but snow was lost to turbulent diffusion.

Pit dug on terrain feature that typically would have been loaded from E wind, but 1cm surface hoar remained undisturbed with no evidence of current or recent wind loading. Pit representative of good bonding observed elsewhere between storm snow and old crust. Hand shears and cutting skin track failed to produce significant results at this interface.

Pic: Strong E winds in the afternoon overcame subtle crust, but snow lost to turbulent diffusion.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Winds increased to Strong in afternoon.

OVC sky observed over Mokelumne Wilderness w/ appx 8500ft ceiling. Became BKN mid-afternoon.