N winds on Ralston

Location Name: 
Ralston
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/29/2013 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 51.9312" N, 120° 6' 0.0864" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

N winds continued to transport snow at Ralston today, however not enough wind deposition to be of concern was observed. Recent rain crust observed to Ralston summit.

Pic 1: N winds have stripped traditional start zones, with minimal cross loading observed on this E aspect (may have to click on full sized image).

Pic 2: Steep wind loaded gullies on Ralston's SW aspect. ~15cm of wind loaded snow.

Pic 3: Cracking that propagated 2 meters, but slab was shallow at 15cm.

Rapid warming by 11am resulted in sticky, wet snow below treeline.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: