Reactive wind slab on Trimmer

Location Name: 
Trimmer Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/03/2011 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 52' 42.3804" N, 119° 55' 33.24" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pic 1: Surprisingly reactive and clean ECT results. 1xECTP Very Easy (fractured and propagated upon column isolation) @ 18cm. 1xECTP13@18cm (pictured). 35 degree slope, N/NW aspect @ 9100ft. Failure on DFs just above previous rain crust layer (which is breaking down noticeably from the bottom up). Test results consistent with several localized slab fractures while skiing, HOWEVER slab depth and surface area were inconsistent and presented no danger at this location. Slabs observed to ~8500ft. Test location very close to previous obs where snowpack was greater than 300cm - today probed at only 195cm.

Pic 2: Although Luther Pass and S Carson Range areas were free of cloud cover, Crystal Range remained under BKN skies through mid afternoon.

5 to 10cm of loose, unconsolidated snow remains on NW, N, NE aspects in the trees from 7000ft to 8500ft. Hand harness differences between this layer and the old crust are diminishing, as both the new snow consolidates, and the old crust deteriorates.

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

Winds generally calm to light except near ridgetop where winds were consistently moderate.