Wet transitional snow on Rubicon Peak

During the morning hours, NW-N-NE aspects from the trailhead at 6,950' up to the summit near 9,000' held widespread areas of lingering unconsolidated snow 2 to 3 inches deep from the March 10 snowfall event. This snow had yet to undergo a melt phase and was well bonded to the rain crust below it.

At noon, E aspects at 9,000' held 2 to 3 inches of transitional snow that was in the early stages of melt phase, entering into its first melt-freeze cycle. SE aspects at the same elevation held established melt-freeze conditions with 1 inch of wet snow on top of strong melt freeze crust. By 12:15, up to 4 inches of supportable wet snow existed on E and SE aspects at 8,400' with ski penetration of less than one inch and boot penetration of 4 inches.

By 12:30, previously observed dry snow on NW-N-NE aspects had entered melt phase and was becoming wet and cohesive (sticky). At that time, skier triggered roller balls and pin wheels up to 9 inches in diameter were becoming widespread.

Photo 1: Areas of March 10 storm snow unaffected by melt freeze, 10:30 am N aspect 7,000'.

Photo 2: Boot penetration of 4 inches, 12:15 pm SE aspect 8,400'.

Photo 3: Skier triggered pin wheel 9 inches in diameter, 12:30 pm N aspect 8,200' (noted lat/long).

Photo 4: Thicker than forecast cloud cover over the southern portion of the forecast area at noon. This cloud cover cleared during the early afternoon hours.