Observations from Trimmer

Location Name: 
Trimmer Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 52' 44.3028" N, 119° 55' 32.8368" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

25 to 50cm of low density snow, with 15cm of soft wind slab limited to ridgelines. Just below ridgelines, snow remained unconsolidated with no signs of propogation. Mitt pits, hand shears and ski cuts showed new snow bonding well to old crust. 2x ECTN with Easy Progressive Compression within the new snow, tests performed just adjacent to ski cut (photo) that did propogate a short distance, but the slab debris quickly broke-up and failed to run very far in 35+ degree terrain. 3/15 rain layer wasn't very distinguishable here on 3/19, and was completely rounded here today - so no faceting associated with this layer at this location. HS 250cm. Very warm day - our approach was on snow, and much of our low elevation exit along the same path was back to dirt.

Unobstructed views of Desolation area peaks showed some avalanche activity, but not as much as expected given the rapid warming. Flagpole, Cathedral, and South Bowl of Tallac all had debris that ran close to full path. SB of Tallac appeared to have occured sometime late last night, with minimal new snow on top of debris. Flagpole and Cathedral were clearly from today.

 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: