Snowpits from Forestdale & Frog Lake

Location Name: 
Forestdale & Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/15/2011 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 31.542" N, 119° 58' 7.6404" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Note pit #2 from different Lat/Long than GMaps.

Neither pit was dug where previous unconsolidated snow remained on surface prior to yesterday's precip/wind, but several mitt pits in such areas showed rounding and good bonding in old unconsolidated snow both above and below January rain crust.

Overall surprising deposition totals on lee aspects. Very stiff, supportable wind slab of varying "upside down" qualities. No signs of instabilities, though I wish we had access to a large cornice to drop to check for large trigger reactivity.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Moderate winds with Strong gusts. Dense cloud cover observed to be approaching ~3pm