Observations from Deep Creek

Noticeable air temperature inversion conditions this morning in the Deep Creek area. By early afternoon conditions were changing with snow surface warming beginning to occur in sun exposed areas below ~7,000. We encountered cold unconsolidated snow on northerly aspects. The beginnings of sun crust formation were noted on S aspect terrain up to about 8,000'.

We were looking for the current avalanche problems and were able to create a very, very small loose dry avalanche below treeline on a NE aspect of 46 degree slope angle. Only the top 2 inches of the storm snow was involved. Triggering was slightly stubborn.

Intentionally traveling through a ridgetop wind loaded area on a S aspect, a surface wind slab up to 4 inches thick was obvoius, but no cracking of any amount was observed. Once above 8,000', NE ridgetop winds increased to moderate in speed with minor blowing snow and signs of wind scouring. Skin track refill was occurring quickly in this area. Some areas recently wind scoured down to exposed rain crust were visible along the Sierra Crest to the south.

Patches of surface hoar up to 15mm in size were widespread. In sun exposed areas this surface hoar was already laying down and melting. On shaded northerly aspects, surface hoar up to 5-8 mm was still upright.