Observations from Bear Valley

Location Name: 
Sand Shed Hill
Region: 
Bear Valley Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/05/2013 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 29' 43.2636" N, 120° 2' 1.176" 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: 

Pit: Surprised by presence of buried surface hoar layer which was reactive to column tests including 2 RBs, but not buried deep enough to present a concern at this location today. Overall stratigraphy similar to that observed elsewhere in the forecast area.

Pic 1: Significant settlement since previous storm cycle.

Pic 2: A thin crust is present on direct and most indirect solar aspects. On shaded, open slopes a 3mm surface hoar layer was observed late into day.

Pic 3: Signs of complex wind redistribution. Wind slabs were generally thin, small and isolated.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: