Facets and Wind on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 11/26/2016 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 50.148" N, 119° 54' 56.988" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Colder temps and lack of storms have continued the faceting process of the snowpack on North aspects above 9000'.  These facets appear to be getting larger in size and weaker.  In this area, there is around 1' of recent storm snow on top of these weaker snow grains.  Snowpack tests were mixed with some indicating that propagation was likely and some not.  Conditions will change as more storms impact our forecast area and this weak layer gets additional snow load.

Active wind loading was occuring throughout the day with minor amounts of moving snow.  No cracking or any indication that wind slabs developed through today with very little to no cornice development in favored leeward terrain.

Coverage was mostly adequate above 9000' on north aspects in this area for over the snow travel.  Getting to and from those areas with enough snow to recreate on will require interaction with rocks, stumps, bushes, etc.  It continues to be very early season conditions out there.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Increasing clouds and wind throughout the day as our next storm approaches.