Reactive near crust facets in Upper Candy Land

Location Name: 
Upper Candy Land
Region: 
Bear Valley Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/29/2014 - 13:05
Location Map: 
United States
38° 28' 45.3036" N, 120° 4' 10.3836" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Reactive near crust facets were observed today in Upper Candy Land, a N aspect below treeline area at 7,840'. These facets failed repeatedly showing propagation in ECTs and PSTs. The overlying melt-freeze crust at the base of the recent storm snow is 3-5 cm thick and fairly strong, so it will take a significant snow load to collapse this weak layer. Perc tubes below the crust within the weak layer were minimal and eroding at this location. Perc tubes did not impede the ability to perform PSTs.

Warming conditions yesterday and a weak refreeze last night lead to breakable surface crust on all aspects today up to the high point of travel at 8,500'.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Off and on snow light showers and graupel beginning at 7:30 am. As of 3:30 pm, the storm has yet to bring significant snowfall to the far southern end of the forecast area.