Reactive facets at Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Black Butte
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 01/18/2018 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 40' 56.7408" N, 120° 1' 18.534" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Although all superficial indications were of a spring-like snowpack, digging observations in this area showed a wintertime snowpack beneath the surface, with cold, sugary facets below a strong slab of crusts and wet snow.

Video: This PST propagated at a cut length of 40cm out of 100cm, indicating propagation is likely if triggered. The slab above was quite strong, comprised of 1 Finger and Pencil hard crusts and melt forms. The facets were quite weak, at Fist hard and 2mm in size. Informal observations in the area showed a similar structure on shaded slopes above 8500ft.

Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20180118 PST 40/100 (end) down 55cm on 2mm facets

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Warm, humid and gusty day, but wet surface snow prevented wind transport.