Silver Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/13/2016 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 23.5416" N, 120° 14' 37.0428" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

16-18'' of new storm snow at this location by mid day with steady snow continuing throughout the day.  Strong to gale force SW winds moving large amounts of snow with wind slabs building out further downslope in the 2-3' range.  Swirling winds around terrain features were loading many aspects off of the E ridge of Silver Peak.  The bond at the new snow/old snow interface was good and the storm snow was uniform with heavier snow down low and lighter less dense snow closer to the surface.  Localized cracking in wind loaded areas but few other signs of instabilities.  Ski cuts on test slopes produced no avalanches and little cracking.  Heavier snow encountered below 6500', visibility was limited throughout the day.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
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: 

Slightly cooling temperatures throughout the day.  Snowfall rate of 2-3''/hour.