Observations from Frog Lake Ridge

Location Name: 
Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 04/07/2012 - 19:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 22.92" N, 119° 59' 8.88" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pit: Dug on wind loaded slope just below ridgetop, at provided lat/long. Column tests supported by mitt pits and ski cuts along Frog Lake Ridge. Loss in HS over past week in this area apparent from probing and significant increase in bare ground below 7500ft.

Pic: Surface crusts were widespread even on many shaded aspects. However, steeper shaded aspects still held cold, soft snow at the surface - especially wind loaded slopes, though no wind slab was observed.

Light wind transport of surface snow restricted to ridgetops.

Minimal roller ball activity on solar aspects.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Thin, high clouds with 75% coverage during late afternoon, 25% early evening and clearing just before sunset.