Increased faceting and continued deep slab instability on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/08/2012 - 12:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 24.636" N, 120° 14' 35.772" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Faceting of the middle and lower snowpack has increased in this area over the past five days. Faceting was visible in the mid February storm snow that was not present a few days ago. The ECT continues to show that once collapsed, propagation is likely along the persistent weak layer of crusts and facets. Despite the strong slab overlying the weak layer, boot penetration was 81cm and went into the weak facet layer.

By 2pm,  wet surface snow was observed in all sun exposed areas traveled (below 8,000').

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

201200308 Silver Peak ECTP-28.MOV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: