Observations from Meiss

Location Name: 
Meiss Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/27/2014 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 49.3776" N, 120° 1' 12.4824" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Video: High density, ski supportive wind slab on top of lower density storm snow was prevalant below Meiss ridge and on open slopes to Meiss Meadow at 8400ft. Most recent surface crust was quite strong, likely due to low angle E/NE slopes receiving morning sun over past several weeks. Micro features with slightly more shaded aspects held a weaker crust with facets just below, from ridgeline to low point traveled at 8400ft. Note that when I said "mid pack" in video I meant mid storm snow.

Although winds remained Moderate from the SW through late afternoon, minimal new snow transport was observed. Windward slopes and ridgelines had already been stripped down to previous crust.

Along Meiss Ridge, natural cornice drops appear to have triggered small avalanches yesterday that ran within recent storm snow.

Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20140327 Meiss Ridge

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light snow showers with graupel, interupted by brief clear periods and strong solar input.