Snowpit from Porcupine Ridge

Location Name: 
Porcupine Ridge
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/05/2013 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 54' 53.802" N, 119° 53' 6.468" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Shallow, faceted snowpack in the S Carson Range. HS at less than 100cm just below ridgelines on E aspects. Surface conditions ranged from a breakable crust on top of facets to wet grains on top of facets, with ski pen generally 15cm or greater.

Pit and video: Although the Dec facet / rain crust combo was not responsive to CTs nor ECTs, PSTs show that propagation is still possible - if this weak layer were to be triggered.

Some localized and shallow wind slabs on top of facets were observed due to previous E winds on SE aspects between 10,000 and 9,700 ft.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Increasing cloud cover and SW winds observed into early afternoon, with some wind transport beginning to take place.