Strong winds at Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Elephant's Graveyard
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/18/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 40' 33.0996" N, 119° 58' 53.1552" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Strong SW winds observed along ridgetops, moving snow beyond traditional start zones. 8-10" of new snow in wind sheltered areas, and in wind exposed areas surface conditions were highly variable; including sastrugi, exposed rain crust, and small wind slabs of irregular distribution and depth. No cracking observed in wind slabs. Very warm temps observed on our exit along Forestdale Divide Rd, with roller balls initiating near rocky outcrops on steep slopes.

Pic 1: Open slope on W side of Elephant's Back showing wind hammered texture.

Pic 2: Main entrance to Elephant's Graveyard, where wind had not redistributed snow in regular patterns. In the traditional start zone pictured, pockets of wind slab were interspersed with old exposed rain crust. No cracking could be produced in wind slab. Ski quality improved greatly farther down slope, with no signs of instability observed.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour