Variable refreeze at Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 04/16/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 51.408" N, 119° 58' 45.6456" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Variable overnight refreeze. In general, the surface crust was frozen but breakable this morning. On solar aspects this crust was already melting above 9,000ft by 9am. The older crust under the recent snow was in a solid frozen state and very supportable.

Snowmelt was already feeding creeks at 9,000ft by 9am. Warm, sunny day with an early and quick window for good corn skiing.

Several peaks in the area had loose wet debris from yesterday, but no evidence of human triggering even with very heavy traffic - lots of ski/snowboard and snomobile tracks in the CP area. Additional natural loose wet activity observed today, initiating on steep, rocky slopes. All observed loose wet activity appeared to remain within the recent snow, and did not leave any distinct bed surface visible.

Video: 2x PST 35/100 END with Sudden Collapse down 75cm on January facets. 3/15 rain layer (located 25cm above January facets) was in melt phase. Snow between January facets and 3/15 rain layer not yet in melt phase.

 

 

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

Light W winds with Moderate gusts