Melt-freeze conditions on the south slopes of Tallac above Lily Lake

Location Name: 
South slopes above Lily Lake
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 52' 58.7064" N, 120° 5' 45.2472" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

On southerly aspects between 6200 ft and 8200 ft in this area, the top 2-3 inches of snow melt-freeze crust had softened by 1pm. Below this soft surface snow, a firm, frozen, supportable melt-freeze crust existed. This crust ranged from 2-4 inches in thickness. The combination of a supportable frozen crust below 2-3 inches of soft wet surface snow created ideal corn skiing conditions. Ski cuts on 35 degree, south facing slopes did not result in any wet snow instabilities. On less steep southerly aspects less melting occurred leaving a more frozen snow surface. A firm, frozen crust existed on the northerly aspects.

Photo: Boot penetration of about 3 inches at 7600 ft on a south aspect.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Air tempertuers in the low 50's in this area at 1pm.