Snowpit and observations from Rubicon Peak

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 11/30/2012 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 21.696" N, 120° 8' 1.428" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

New snow, wind, and blowing snow were the indications of instability in this area today. No cracking or collapsing was observed, even in more wind loaded NE and E test slopes below the summit rock. Snowpit data revealed several weak layers within the storm snow, but pit tests indicated propagation unlikely.

Very little to no snow below 7,400' in this area. Above 7,500' the snowpack quickly became usable and supportable. Areas above 8,000' on northerly aspects hold 3 to 6 feet of consolidated snow.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow level stayed below 7,200' during the observed time period of 10am to 2pm.