Hidden Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/05/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 31.8" N, 120° 7' 26.9292" 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: 

New storm snow amounts of 1 foot existed on Hwy 89 at 6,700' and 2 feet of new snow was noted on the peak at 8,000' during the mid day hours.

Wind slabs and storm slabs were present on Hidden Peak today. No natural avalanches were seen, but human triggered avalanches up to 1 foot deep were easily triggered. Near and above treeline along and just below the summit, widespread cracking up to 10 feet long was noted while breaking trail (photo). Kicking on wind loaded test slopes along the summit ridge create wind slab avalanches up to 1 foot deep failing within the storm snow (photo). Slabs were 4F to 4F+ hard over a F hard storm snow weak layer.

In wind sheltered areas below treeline, widespread human triggered cracking was observed. This cracking highlighted a storm slab instability that involved the top 4 inches of the snowpack in most areas, but occasionally had skier triggered slab failure up to 1 foot deep on steep roll overs (photo).

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