Breakable Crusts and Scoured Surfaces on North Aspects of the Fireplug

Location Name: 
Fireplug
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/31/2016 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 32.6136" N, 119° 54' 23.6376" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Northerly aspects in this area held breakable crusts in the sheltered areas with a few isolated and small patches of soft unconsolidated snow. In the exposed near and above treeline areas NE winds had scoured the slopes back to old melt-freeze crusts. Some surface hoar did exist in a few places early this morning. In areas where the snow remained cold and frozen no signs of instability existed. Wet snow had formed by 10 am on any sun exposed aspects even the NE aspects. Several loose wet instabilities did occur on multiple aspects. See this avalanche observation for more details.

Photo 1: Breakable crusts on a shaded north aspect at 9000 ft. 

Photo 2: Wind scoured firm crust on an exposed N aspect at 9200 ft. 

Photo 3: Surface hoar on a NW aspect near 9200 ft. at 9:30 am. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast