Gale Force Winds on Ophir Peak

Location Name: 
Ophir Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/16/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 28.9464" N, 119° 53' 57.3756" 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: 

4'' of new storm snow in this location today.  Gale force SW winds were moving large amounts of snow with 4 to 8'' wind slabs in wind loaded areas.  These wind slabs were not showing to be reactive with no signs of cracking or propagation on small wind loaded tests slopes throughout the area.  The bond between the old snow surface and new storm snow seemed good with no instabilities observed.  Light amounts of loose dry sluffing was occurring in steeper treed terrain.

Intermittent light snow through the morning with some breaks with sun.  SW winds were consistent. 

Video:  Blowing snow near Ophir Peak.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

IMG 0394

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% 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: