Observations from Tallac N

Location Name: 
Tallac
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/20/2012 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 55' 22.8" N, 120° 6' 25.2" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

pic: similar crusts/facets layering to that observed elsewhere. At this location (provided lat/long) HS was 95cm and 2xECTN Moderate with a distinct Sudden Collapse between MFcr and Jan 26th rain crust - yet failure to propagate.

Mitt pits along climb to 9,200ft on mostly N aspect showed fewer crusts with elevation gain, though currently forming surface crust and at least 1 deeper crust remained at all points observed. Facets between are well developed, at over 3mm with striations clearly visible without a loupe. Facets easily fell out from mitt pits.

At 9,000ft, N aspect, just below wind effected surface (with thin MFcr present at the surface), 2xECTN Moderate with Progressive Compression on facet layer beneath crust.

Facets in this area appear to be widespread and weak, but not enough slab development on top of them to promote propagation.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: