Wind slabs along Frog Lake Ridge

Location Name: 
Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 22.002" N, 119° 59' 6.1332" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Several wind loaded test slopes along Frog Lake Ridge showed ongoing wind slab instability into the afternoon. Steep and/or unsupported slopes were easy to trigger, but a dense slab prevented triggering on slopes with good compressive support.

Video: 2x ECTP 1m back crown of a ~4hr old intentional D1R3 triggered via small cornice drop. Horizontal extent of crown was closer to 30m than 50m as I stated in video.

Recently buried NSF and NCF in this area (generally down 75cm on wind loaded slopes) were moistened by warm onset of first recent storm.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20140301 Frog Lake Ridge

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Occasional very light snow showers. Wind transport was observed but limited due to warm and dense surface snow on windward aspects.