3-6'' of New Snow on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/27/2013 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 5.106" N, 119° 55' 18.516" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

3-6'' of new light snow in the Tamarack Peak area.  This new snow sits on a firm rain crust on all aspects and elevations.  Some areas this rain crust has not yet fully refroze and was more edgeable and in isolated areas this crust was not fully ski supportive and somewhat breakable.  Areas that were previously wind scoured or heavily skied there was not enough new snow to make for enjoyable travel while previously smooth areas skied very well.  Several hand pits and ski cuts showed a good bond with the new snow and old snow interface.  There were some small isolated point releases, sluffing was limited in steeper terrain.  North winds were moving snow in the morning hours but was limited to the highest peak elevations.

Photo#1:  Very small point releases on isolated aspects.  SE aspect, 8900'.

Photo#2:  North winds were strong enough to move snow.  South aspect just on the ridge of Hourglass bowl, cracking and shooting cracks with 10'' wind slabs forming.  Limited to ridgeline on Tamarack Peak, 1pm.

Photo#3:  Hourglass Bowl.  Not enough new snow to smooth out the previous wind damage and old skier tracks.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

No new snow accumulation after mid morning in this area.  Winds were generally light north winds with moderate winds at peak elevations.

9100', North aspect in meadow below Hourglass Bowl, 1:45pm, Air temp -9c, Surface temp -8.5c, 1/4 sky cover, light north winds, HS=245cm, surface snow 1mm PP's-graupel/plates.  No facets observed above or below the recent rain crust.