Observations from Becker/Talking

Location Name: 
Becker/Talking Cirque
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/23/2013 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 51.8988" N, 120° 3' 42.9876" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Pic: Although there was clear evidence of recent strong winds along Becker ridge to the Becker/Talking cirque (branches, needles and moss on snow surface), a thin melt freeze crust on the hwy 50 side of ridge - likely formed by yesterday's warm temperatures - prevented snow from overnight wind transport.

Video: On the N/NE aspects in the Becker/Talking cirque, no evidence of overnight wind slab formation was observed. Several pits just below ridgeline, mid slope, and at the base of cirque did not show slab propagation potential, even though very weak facets exist ~20cm below surface. Faceting of most recent crust provides good skiing conditions.

As forecast, mid-day winds shifted to NW/N/NE with light wind transport observed. The snow surface on the hwy 50 side of ridge was relatively warm when winds shifted, providing good bonding surface for transported snow.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Some very light snowfall with small graupel until mid-day. Temps by our departure at 5pm had dropped significantly.