Observations from Waterhouse

Location Name: 
Waterhouse
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/18/2012 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 46' 45.768" N, 119° 57' 58.7736" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Several pits and column tests on N aspect from 8700ft to 9100ft showed settlement within the recent snow, and PWL >150cm from the surface. 3/15 rain layer beginning to freeze, about 10cm thick and 100cm below surface. Progressive compression within recent snow and no propogation on large column tests. Deep tap tests on PWL showed Sudden Collapse.

30ft crack visible on convex roll in treed terrain, ~48hr old, natural trigger - slope did not release.

Video: RB6 EB down 80cm within recent snow above rain layer, on 34degree slope N aspect at 8700ft. Consistent with several formal and informal tests/observations from 8000ft to 9100ft on N aspects.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Mid afternoon spike in precip rates observed.