Silver Peak observations

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Sunday, November 15, 2020 - 10:30
Location: 
39.224970, -120.240970
See map: CalTopo
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

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Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

Hiking into Silver Peak today, there was evidence in the snowpack of rain from the Nov 13 storm up to about 7,100'. Above this elevation, snowpack depths quickly increased to a fairly consistent 9 inches. Near and above treeline, previous wind scouring had removed snow from the upper portion of traditional avalanche start zones on N-NE-E aspects. Southerly aspects at all elevations had undergone melt with a lot of bare ground showing.

Snowpit data from two sites (N aspect, below treeline, ~7,650' and NE aspect, at treeline, ~8,100') showed recent new snow over older faceted snow with no unstable test results observed. The faceted snow near the ground was gaining moisture. This faceted snow did not appear particularly weak even though it was more well developed that what has been observed in other locations.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
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Total Snow Depth: 
23cm
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Terrain: elevations: 
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Terrain: aspects: 
N
NE
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Elevation of Observation: 
6000-7000 ft.
7000 - 8000 ft.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Sky Cover: 
Scattered - Partly Cloudy - 3/8 to 4/8 covered
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
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