Observations from Becker

Location Name: 
Becker Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/15/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 56.5932" N, 120° 3' 35.226" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pic 1: Just below Becker ridge, hand hardness above Jan 9th crust observed to be "right-side-up" with fist hard snow near the surface. Consistent with other observations in the area, including column tests at this site and ski cuts of small convex rolls and steep slopes.

Pic 2: Signs of an inversion, including lingering cloud cover over Tahoe, and noticeably warmer temps on Becker ridge than on Echo Lake. 

Pic 3: Widespread surface hoar even along Becker ridge and on top of Becker/Talking cirque. Observed mid-day to be decomposing in direct sun along ridge, but remaining into afternoon on shady slopes and slopes indirect to sun.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Air temps above freezing along ridgetop on sunny slopes. Remained below freezing in the shade and in the Echo Lake basin. Cloud cover increased in the afternoon, but no more than 25% of sky covered.