Observation from Flagpole Peak

Location Name: 
Flagpole Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/27/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 50' 42.3204" N, 120° 3' 17.1036" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Blue sky morning at Flagpole Peak turned cloudy in the afternoon. Southwest winds were transporting significant amounts of snow at mid slope elevations but limited evidence of wind slab observed at higher elevations. Northeast facing slopes were mostly holding 20-30cms of fresh unconsolidated new snow. Ski turns on steep terrain produced small loose dry slides. 

Most of the morning featured blue sky and although clouds increased throughout the day, a noticeable thin sun crust developed on more south facing slopes. 

Photo 1: Late morning view of south east face of Flagpole peak, showing previous natural slide activity.

Photo 2: Winds were transporting snow and largely covering up the skin track between laps.

Photo 3: A natural loose dry avalanche on a steep slope just below the summit ridge. 

Photo 4: Evidence of wind altered snow just below the summit. 

Photo 5: Sastrugi on a low elevation ridge in early afternoon.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Cloud cover transitioned from mostly clear to mostly cloudy throughout the day.