Frozen surfaces and dust on crust on Elephant's Hump.

Location Name: 
Elephant's Hump
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Saturday, February 27, 2021 - 22:45
Location: 
38.691730, -119.970120
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: 

We toured Elephant's Hump today to look for any developing weak layer issues around the Feb 19 rain crust. Faceting below the crust was minimal. Near surface faceting in lingering unconsolidated snow above the crust was also minimally faceted. All layers around the crust were moist and able to clump when lightly squeezed.

Otherwise moderate NE winds were present with no blowing/drifting snow present. Solar aspects at this elevation (7,800' to 9,000') remained frozen all morning with no sign of snow surface melt. Shaded N aspects held a patchy mix of dust on crust and wind affected surfaces.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
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Total Snow Depth: 
207cm
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Not present
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Terrain: aspects: 
N
NE
E
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Elevation of Observation: 
7000 - 8000 ft.
8000 - 9000 ft.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Sky Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
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