Snowpack observations from the east ridge of Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 11:44
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 47.5776" N, 119° 54' 21.8628" 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: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

New snow seems to be bonding well to the old snow surfaces. The weaknesses in the recent snow are still there but they have gained some strength. The wind slabs would crack in response to large triggeres such as a smart car sized peice of cornince (photo). The slope cracked after the cornince hit the slope but did not fail until a skier also jumped on the 38 degree, NE facing, wind-loaded test slope. Wind transport of snow continued today and caused the wind slabs to grow more firm and slightly larger. The snow surface was wind affected in all but the most sheltered areas.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Extended Column Test on Tamarack Peak in the Tahoe area.

Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: