Snowpit and wet snow observations on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 11:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 13.026" N, 120° 14' 45.618" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Slight north component to this generally east aspect has slowed the full transition of last weeks storm snow to melt freeze snow. The thin layer of lower density storm snow at the base of the surface melt freeze crust was not reactive in snowpit tests. Minor skier triggered roller ball activity to 1 foot in diameter occurred in the lower east aspect portion of the avalanche path between 7,400' and 7,700' at noon. This area was well on its way to more significant wet snow instability during the afternoon hours.

Evidence of a solid overnight refreeze apparent in all areas traveled this morning.

Video: Melt freeze and transitional layers in the upper snowpack.

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

201200409 Silver Peak.MOV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
South
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Thin high clouds with 100% sky coverage still allowed for significant incoming solar radiation.