Observation from Powderhouse Peak

Location Name: 
Powderhouse Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 12/25/2016 - 11:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 47' 0.1608" N, 119° 58' 44.3496" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Cold temps and soft snow found on Powderhouse Peak today. Little evidence of snow settlement from recent storms (no settlement cones around trees observed). Jumping on above treeline test slopes did not produce cracking or slab activity. Evidence of previous (from yesterday) ski tracks on similar features in the area also did not show evidence of avalanche activity. Snow depth was measured at 1m near summit in slightly windloaded area. Riding was enjoyable but plenty of obstacles remain even at upper elevations and below about 8200 feet coverage is marginal. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Cold temps with a mostly clear overnight sky likely contributed to impressively soft surface conditions.