Snowpit from Upper Ophir Creek

Location Name: 
Upper Ophir Creek
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 02/06/2013 - 11:50
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 23.604" N, 119° 53' 46.644" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Site selection and snowpit dug to compare to snowpit on Porcupine Ridge on Feb 5, 2013. Aspect, elevation, and distance east of Sierra Crest are similar.

At this location, the snowpack was much deeper ranging from 180 to 230cm as compared to 90cm. Probing led to site selection far enough below the ridgeline to reduce previous wind loading effects. Dec 2 facets in this area are stronger and higher density (1F hard vs. F hard). ECTX results for weak layer 106cm below the surface and informal ECTX result with all but 30cm of snowpack above the weak layer removed. PST provided varied results with propagation indicated as unlikely after 50% and 77% cut length (end) results.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: