Density inversion non-reactive to tests along Becker

Location Name: 
Becker Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 53.0436" N, 120° 3' 45.5688" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Increasing temps in conjunction with increasing precip rates adding to density inversion in this area. However, tests including several ECTs, ski cuts, and refrigerator-sized cornice drops failed to show signs of propogation along the Becker Ridge, in start zones of Becker proper, and the Becker/Talking cirque.

More successful cornice drops did manage to entrain snow down to previous crust, but did not trigger any slabs. Cornices were quite sensitive.

No natural activity was observed in the steep, wind loaded terrain of the Becker/Talking cirque. Lower elevation wet loose activity, intitating in rocks and bushes, was visible from HWY50 on lower NE/E aspects of Flagpole area.

Below 8000ft, 10-15cm of DFs and PPs on top of crust in wind sheltered terrain, and 20-30cm on wind loaded aspects. Above 8000ft, 20cm on wind sheltered terrain and 30-50cm on wind loaded, tapering off significantly below ridgetops. Light+ precip before noon, approaching 1" per hour after noon.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: