Test pit observations and test slope failure on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 12/19/2010 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 33.9132" N, 120° 14' 19.3092" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Test slope failure with intentional small skier triggered avalanche. Rain on new snow produced small crown 6 to 8" deep. Snow level at around 7,700' in this area.

Testpit dug nearby this location where 4cm surface hoar was present late day on Dec 17 (immediately prior to this storm) showed collapsed/unreactive/hard to detect surface hoar layer. All present instabilities were within the upper portion of the recent storm snow.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Rain
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: