Observations from Red Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/05/2018 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 0.66" N, 119° 58' 41.8008" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Snow coverage is sufficient above Crater Lake at 8500' on Northerly aspects.  East aspects have mixed coverage with the east facing gullies having snow at higher elevations but with limited to no snow below 8500'.  Cold unconsolidated snow existed on northerly aspects with some degree of wind scouring in exposed areas.  Minor roller balls could be skier triggered on E facing aspects by mid day.  A loose wet point release avalanche was observed that occurred previously on an E aspect at 9000' on the east facing gullies.

A test pit dug at 8500' on a N aspect showed near surface facets on top of consolidated and well bonded snow.  This more recent storm snow continues to sit on top of a series of crusts that have some less dense and weaker snow around them.  Snowpack tests were inconsistent on the more developed weak layer that exists below the crust.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West