Mt. Rose Observations

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 11/17/2012 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 47.772" N, 119° 54' 45.144" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Northerly aspects hold around 50-70cm of snow and are pretty much the only option for snow travel at this time.  There was storm snow instability as well as some weakness around an old melt freeze crust within the snowpack.  Shooting cracks, cracking and collapsing were common but no avalanches were observed or could be initiated by ski cuts.  With the low snowpack there are many anchors (rocks, trees, bushes, etc) that are holding things in place.   

Photo:  Shooting crack from ski tips

Video #1:  Wind loading on the East Ridge of Tamarack Peak

Video #2:  ECTP-3 on storm snow instability.

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

Mt Rose2012 11 17 001

Mt Rose2012 11 17 005

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

Snow level at 7800' in the Mt. Rose area mid morning rising to 8300' by early afternoon.