Observations on Becker Ridge

Location Name: 
Becker Ridge
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/13/2016 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 54.1596" N, 120° 2' 45.5928" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Roughly 4 inches of new snow along Becker Ridge had accumulated by 11:00am today. Cracking around skis on ridges and even in somewhat protected leeward treed terrain. New snow was rimed and air temp was -4C. Visibility was limited due to wind and blowing snow. 

In a quick pit dug in an opening at 7800 feet in an otherwise treed north facing leeward slope, 1/5 and 1/9 surface hoar layers were not observed.  CT tests produced Break fracture characteristics in the hard range. ECT tests produced no propogation.

Intensity of storm appeard to increase later in the day after these observations occurred. 

Photo 1: Fairly limited cracking in new snow on ridge area wind loaded tree well. 

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