Observations from S side Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Round Top
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 02/12/2010 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 40' 3.792" N, 120° 0' 13.284" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Wind slab observed in most lee and cross loaded aspects. Slab thickness was highly variable, but generally 5 to 10cm. Wind slab rests on lower density DF and PP layer. Wind slab not thick enough to promote propagation. Very thin 1-2cm wind crust observed on E bowl of Elephant's Back, with CTV scores failing on DF PP layer, but way too thin for propagation.

Melt freeze crust from yesterday's warm weather observed on all aspects to treeline. Above treeline, crust was thinner (<1cm) and appeared more a rimed crust than a melt freeze crust. Present on all aspects that didn't consist of newly formed wind slab.

 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Localized trace of recent new snow observed.

Consistent moderate winds observed above treeline. Cloud movement showed strong winds at ridgetops.

Consistent light wind transport - most was creep or turbulant diffusion, with no saltation observed. The thin but widespread surface crust reduced snow avalailable for transport.