Wet Heavy Snow on Tamarack

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 12/21/2014 - 13:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 48.06" N, 119° 54' 46.26" 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: 

Even though it was not raining today, evidence of warming and rain existed up to at least the summit of Tamarack Peak. Snow on all aspects had become wet, heavy, and sticky by 1pm. Earlier in the day, a thin frozen crust existed on some N aspects above 9600 ft. Ski cuts on test slopes, snowpit tests, and general observations did not reveal signs of instability in this area. Snowpit data showed that the layer of softer snow at the base of the wind slabs still exists. Some minor skier triggered roller balls and pinwheels did occur on steep NE-E facing slopes. 

Snowpit: Detailed data from the coordinates attached to this observation. Other ECTN results at the following coordinates on the same less dense layer near the base of the wind slab. @ 39.316855, -119.91916 2xECTN and PST 95/100 END -- @ 39.319013, -119.92186 ECTN

Photo: Evidence of freezing rain at the summit of Tamarack Peak. Below this elevation trees had no ice or snow on them.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Winds shifting to the NW today.