Snowpit from Angora Peak

Location Name: 
Angora Peak
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/18/2013 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 52' 24.708" N, 120° 4' 21.468" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Near surface facets within the top 20 cm of the snowpack are the biggest concern in this area despite the overall shallow snowpack. ECTX and PST(sf) indicate propagation unlikely at this time. PST slab fracture result gives potential for instability concerns if/when new snow loading changes the characteristics of the overlying slab. Middle and basal snowpack layers show evidence of old facets that have rounded and gained significant strength.

Melt freeze crust on the surface of northerly aspects was supportable to skier weight below 6,500', mixed supportable and breakable 6,500' to 7,000', and breakable to non-existant above 7,300'.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Mid and high level cloud cover ranged from 50% to 90% in this area through the morning hours. Some clearing to 40% to 50% around noon.