Wet snow on Polaris Point

Location Name: 
Polaris Point
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/07/2015 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 8' 2.9184" N, 120° 12' 11.0124" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

A very light rain/mist event that was not forecast occurred in this area today. Wet snow surface with small natural roller balls observed off of the rocks of Polaris Point proper at 10:25 am. Larger human triggered roller balls and pinwheels (photo) were triggered while approaching snowpit location a few minutes later.

What were once basal facets in this area are now well rounded. Snowpit tests gave no indications of potential weak layer issues. Overall the snowpack in this area is shallow with a max HS of 50 cm measured in open areas. Despite the shallow snowpack, conditions were very ski supportable heavy dense snow.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Rain
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Very light mist/rain off and on throughout the morning hours while in the area.