Wet snow and dry snow by aspect and elevation on Waterhouse Pk.

Location Name: 
Waterhouse Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/26/2016 - 11:40
Location Map: 
United States
38° 46' 36.2028" N, 119° 57' 57.8196" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

On Waterhouse Peak this morning, wet surface snow or frozen melt-freeze crust was observed on N-NE aspects below about 8,300' and on E-SE aspects up to the summit around 9,480'. On N aspects above 8,500', a 5 cm surface layer of cold and unconsolidated near surface facets was present, yet to undergo melt-freeze in most areas. Snowpit data indicated that the near surface facets were not particularly well developed. A layer of 1 to 4 mm graupel buried about 40 cm below the snow surface beneath a wind slab from the last storm cycle did not react as a weak layer in snowpit tests.

Photo: N aspect terrain of Steven's Peak receiving increasing amounts of sun exposure under the higher spring sun angle.

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