Observations from Pyramid

Location Name: 
Pyramid Peak
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/10/2012 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 50' 21.732" N, 120° 8' 49.524" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Very firm, supportable rain crust observed at Pyramid Peak today. A light E/NE wind prevented SE aspects from softening, but SW,W aspects held corn snow at the surface ~5cm for several hours.

Pic 1: Drainage runnels to summit of Pyramid Peak.

Pic 2: On shaded aspects, the surface rain crust is smooth and slick ice with an obvious glazed appearance from snow line at 7500ft to 8500ft. Above 8500ft the crust is slightly deteriorating right at the surface, leaving small cups and a distinct texture.

Pit: Faceted layer under surface rain crust falls right out of pit wall. Although CTs showed Sudden Collapse, PSTs did not suggest propagation potential, as the surface crust is very much not a slab. The deeper rain crust is quite thick and strong - I had to be careful not to damage my shovel while trying to break through this layer.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

Rocky Canyon trail from hwy 50 was free of snow until 7400-7600ft when snow quickly became usable for ski travel.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Few, thin high clouds. Increasing NE winds.