Cracking and Fracture Propagation Near Red Lake

Location Name: 
South of Red Lake
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/31/2013 - 14:45
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 30.3684" N, 119° 58' 10.4376" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Weak facets with a slab like layer above them still persist in this area. I triggered several small collapses and cracks while traveling across low angle terrain. These failure occurred due to the Dec. 7th facet layers collapsing under my weight on the slope. The largest of these collapses propagated about 30 ft away from where it started. Snowpit tests also indicated that fractures could easily travel along the Dec. 7th facet layer. Throughout this area signs of instability remain consistent and prevalent.

Photo: Some of the human triggered cracking

Video: Fracture propagation along the Dec. 7th facets in a 2m long ECT.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

2m ECTP 21 on Near Red Lake on Carson Pass

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: