Wind Scouring and Mid Slope Tests

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 11/28/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 27.228" N, 120° 14' 38.58" 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: 

North winds had scoured many of the N-NE facing starting zones on Silver Peak back to firm wind crusts and exposed rocks. North winds continued to transport snow during the day. Below the exposed near and above treeline slopes a 10 cm "punchy" wind crust existed in all but the most sheltered areas.

Photos 1 and 2: Wind features and scouring on the N and NE aspects of Silver Peak near 8000 ft. 

Snowpit data collected in more sheltered areas showed poor bonding between Saturday night's snow and the snow that fell last week. Extended Column Tests on N aspects between 7800 and 7900 ft. yielded unstable results. Ski cuts on slopes in this area did not produce any signs of instabilities nor did general observations. 

Snowpit 1: Sheltered N aspect at 7800 ft. with ECTP results.

Snowpit 2: Exposed N aspect near treeline with wind scouring. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
North