Distribution of free water in snow profile

Location Name: 
Central Sierra Snow Laboratory
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 02/12/2014 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 31.8" N, 120° 22' 2.64" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Photograph shows precise measurements of snow density (kg/m^3) and free (liquid) water (%/volume) across the snow profile.  HS = 66 cm.  Majority of rain water and melt-induced water remain in the upper sub-surface layers.  131 mm of rain and 63 cm of new snow fell Feb 6-9; snowpack at this elevation (6900') heavily rain-runneled. Many wet loose snow avalanches observed Feb 10 around steep terrain.  Old basal facets now fairly well drained.  Free water measured by electrical capacitance/dialectric constant.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest