Observations from Shirley Canyon

Location Name: 
Tram Ridge, Shirley Canyon
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/07/2017 - 14:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 12' 2.7324" N, 120° 15' 2.6892" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Today we experienced a significant warmup in the Squaw Valley area. Although the wind continued to blow and there was a little new snowfall, the overriding theme of the day was warm temps. Numerous roller balls observed on all aspects, including dead norths below 7,700'. There was still great skiing on high norths, but otherwise the snowpack is in the grips of a major transition in this zone. One of the more glaring observation from the day was numerous large glide cracks that have started to form in the snowpack. (see photo). This particular glide crack was well over 15' deep and presented a unique hazard to the team. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: