Pockets of wind slab on the NW ridge of Rubicon Peak

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/07/2013 - 11:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 0' 5.004" N, 120° 8' 43.44" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Recent wind transport of new and old snow by NE winds had created pockets of wind slab on W-NW aspects along the ridgeline in this area. Slabs close to the ridgetop were fairly small and shallow with evidence of larger wind slabs in steeper areas further down slope. Looking further into the Desolation Wilderness, snow surface features indicated significant scouring of NE-E-SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline areas.

Surface melt freeze crust forming at mid elevations in sun exposed areas on SE aspects. Unconsolidated snow in areas protected from wind and direct sun.

Photo: Skier triggered cracking of wind slab at snowpit location.

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

High cloud cover of medium thickness.