Tamarack Peak Snowpack Observations

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 02/03/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 49.8816" N, 119° 54' 50.2128" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Moderate to heavy high density snow was falling throughout the morning hours in the Mt. Rose area.  4 to 6'' at the trailhead with up to 8'' of storm snow above 9000' in non wind loaded areas.  Gale force SW winds were moving large amounts of snow along wind exposed areas.  Wind slabs were up to 1 to 2' deep with repeatable skier triggering on small test slopes.  Large cornices were built out with very low visibility so it was unclear if any natural avalanche activity had occurred on some of the larger avalanche paths along the East Ridge.  Evidence of some storm snow weakness existed with cracking around skis in below treeline protected terrain and hand pits showing easy shears near the base of the recent storm snow.  By mid day, snow had tapered off, cloud cover was slightly breaking up, but strong to gale force winds remained.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: