Obs from Tram Ridge

Location Name: 
Tram Ridge / Shirley canyon
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/19/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 12' 3.3336" N, 120° 14' 54.5028" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Heavy wet snow was acumulating by 1:30PM today in Shirley Canyon. Although the upper snowpack was still fairly wet at this elevation, agressive kicks and ski cuts produced only limited signs of instability. Sluffs and rollerballs stopped quickly and did not entrain additional snow. Skiing was somewhat sticky and variable, although there was a good turn or two here and there. We did not travel very high and did not oberserve ridgelines and the wind transport that was undoubtably taking place. 

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

Light rain in the valley turned to heavy snow early afternoon. Light winds were variable and shifted several times while we we in the field.