Observations from Mt. Rose

Location Name: 
Fireplug Area
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:20
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 17.22" N, 119° 54' 45.252" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pit dug just west of the Fireplug zone.  2-4'' of sticky, moist, snow on the surface.  All stability tests indicating that the January facet/crust combo is not reactive in this area.  Very sticky snow conditions and natural roller ball activity on all aspects and elevations above 35 degree steepness.

Photo #1:  Fireplug area, north aspect, 8400-9000'.  Small loose wet snow avalanches, roller balls, occuring in all terrain over 35 degrees on all aspects and elevations in this area.

Photo #2:  Surface melt runnels forming on many aspects on snow surface.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Very light rain/mist in this location sporatically throughout the day.  Moderate north winds increasing throughout the day.