Observations from South Bowl of Tallac

Location Name: 
Tallac
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 04/18/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 53' 51.2844" N, 120° 5' 36.852" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Minimal re-freeze last night. Snow in tree-covered terrain was wet and unsupportive by 8:30am. Snow in open terrain above 8000ft was supportive but already in melt phase shortly after 9am. MFcr previous to recent new snow remained in frozen state, with no free water observed below this crust. HS on N aspect at 8000ft probed at 290cm.

pic 1: Drainage runnels on N aspect. Solar aspects already developing sun cups.

pic 2: Not many well developed cornices in the area, but those that are developed appear ready to break.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: