Observation from Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Elephant's Hump
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Friday, November 5, 2021 - 11:00
Location: 
38.687400, -119.981010
See map: CalTopo
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No



Terrain Alerts: 
Terrain Traps
Observation made by: Professional Observer

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

Boots and gaiters were the correct call for equipment today on Carson Pass. Sufficient snow for skiing existed on the east face of Elephant's Back and evidence of previous ski tracks were widespread but the warm temps and melting snow since the last snow have reduced coverage significantly making it challenging to piece together the snow patches. 

Snow on due north facing slopes mostly had a breakable crust over softer snow. In a few places higher elevation shady areas patches of unbreakable icy surface conditions were present. 

Photo 1: Examining the snow below Elephant's Hump.

Photo 2: Snow height and structure.

Photo 3: Elephant's Back

Photo 4: Elephant's Back and Roundtop

Photo 5: Frog Lake and the dry southern slopes of Red Lake Peak

Photo 6: Looking north east towards Lake Winnemucca

 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
BESbswy