Delayed storm onset

Location Name: 
Becker Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/29/2014 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 52.752" N, 120° 3' 51.318" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

High SW winds, cooling temps, cloud ceiling at around 8,000ft, and less than S1 precip until my departure at 14:00.

Pic 1: A new surface crust was observed on all aspects up to my high point of 8,400ft. Previous storm snow max depth observed was 20cm and becoming moist, with no signs of continuing instabilities.

Pic 2: Current precip was almost entirely graupel, with up to 10cm deposits observed on leeward pockets.

Near crust facet range was similar to that observed elsewhere in the forecast area; with loose wet grains under crust up to 8,200ft and just beginning to show faceted angles above 8,200ft.  No signs of instabilities showing yet on this layer.

Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

Thin ice and open water at inlet and outlet of Lower Echo Lake. Use caution when traveling on lake during/after upcoming storm events.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: