Preserved surface hoar at Ebbetts Pass

Location Name: 
Folger Peak
Region: 
Ebbetts Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/18/2015 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 30' 17.19" N, 119° 48' 26.3664" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pic 1: Consistent Strong SW winds above treeline moved snow all day, and plumes could be seen transporting snow far away from traditional start zones. Near treeline some fresh wind deposits though inconsistent patterns observed.

Pic 2: Surface hoar remained standing in wind and sun sheltered areas upon our departure mid-afternoon. This picture was taken in the morning.

Video: Reactive surface hoar buried intact just under rain/mist event ~30cm down, similar to that seen elsewhere in the forecast area. CTs were Sudden Planar, ECTs propagated, and a non-standard 2m wide ECT propagated partway but not all the way across the column. 

One small recent crown observed in steep terrain, possibly on buried SH layer, though no other signs of instability observed besides snowpack structure and column tests. Deeper crust/facet combos and basal facets appear to be gaining strength, with a strong midpack structure above them. HS of 115cm at provided lat/long. Snowmobilers in this area generally observed to be avoiding avalanche terrain.

 

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

2015.12.18 buried SH

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: