Deep Creek Snowpack Observations

Location Name: 
Deep Creek
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 14' 33.9" N, 120° 14' 52.404" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

The Deep Creek Peak area has a shallow snowpack with an average of 60-90cm around 8000'.  The buried melt freeze/rain crust combo with facets exists in this area like most of the rest of the forecast area.  This weak layer is becoming more reactive in this area as the upper surface slab continues to stiffen.  At 8000' there were several stability tests that were showing failure just below the M/F crust  and that propagation could occur if initiated, there was some variability in test results.  The surface slab is becoming more stiff with time but at this point is still not consistent over large areas.

At 7500' 2 ECT's were performed showing no propagation.  At this lower elevation the upper surface slab was 4-5'' deep and still soft and thin.

Photo:  Roller Ball activity below 7400' on N aspects.

Video:  PST 29/100 END at 8000' on North aspect, 22 degree slope.  Failure down 20cm just below the m/f crust on facets.

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

DeepCreek2012-2-17 001.avi

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Above freezing temps for most of the day providing sticky snow conditions.  Some high clouds present with light winds from the West.