Observations from Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/07/2015 - 10:50
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 19.92" N, 120° 14' 46.608" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Snow cover in this area is decent to good on N-NE aspects above 7,100'. Below this elevation, snow cover quickly becomes very thin. Near surface facets are developing in this area on N-NE aspects, but are not a problematic weak layer at this time. Snowpit data collected in the start zone of the main NE avalanche path (noted lat/long, NE aspect, 8,280') did not reveal any evidence of instability. Old near crust facets below the thin melt-freeze crust at the base of the recent storm snow were noted as rounding and gaining strength.

Cold unconsolidated snow on shaded northerly aspects at 7,800' in this area was observed to enter its first melt-phase around noon today. Skier triggered roller balls reached 20 to 30 cm in diameter prior to breaking apart (Photo 1). Thin breakable surface crust is likely to form in this area tonight.

Snow cover on the slopes on the N side of Pole Creek held little to no snow cover below ~7,700' (Photo 2). Rapid melt out of the Pole Creek Rd between Hwy 89 and the Pole Creek Bridge was noted in sun exposed areas. Significant snow cover was lost during the day today between making the approach to Silver Peak at 9 am and returning to Hwy 89 at 1 pm.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
More detailed information about the weather: 

Moderate speed E winds felt only on ridgetops.