Firm conditions on Tallac

Location Name: 
Cathedral Bowl, Tallac
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/06/2012 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 53' 47.9184" N, 120° 5' 33.6084" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Evidence of previous rain up to at least the top of Cathedral Bowl (pics 1 and 2), a solid overnight refreeze, a cool breeze above treeline, and weak December solar input all contributed to firm, challenging conditions today - both for skinning and skiing. There was a brief window for enjoyable and safe travel on solar aspects, which quickly returned to their frozen state as soon as solar input became less direct.

Pic 3: 3-5mm surface hoar was not destroyed by sun or heat by mid day. Observed on open slopes of all aspects except steep solar, from 7600' to 9000'.

Pic 4: Ski pen never greater than 1-2cm, but boot pen varied from 1cm to knee deep. Deeper boot pen observed on shaded aspects.

No signs of instabilities observed today. However, on all but steep solar aspects, there was a very distinct hand hardness change between the Impenetrable or Knife hard surface crust at 2-15cm thick, and the 4F and F hard 2-3mm polycrystals under the crust. No signs of faceting at this interface yet.

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

Approach trail from hwy 89 to just below Cascade Lake was dry and sneaker friendly until an abrubt transition to skiable snow. Although the corn skiing was good on direct solar aspects, traveling to and from on all other slopes was honestly frightening - both up and down. Time to dust off the ski crampons and whippets.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Few, thin high clouds.