Observations from Hidden Peak

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/14/2015 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 45.534" N, 120° 7' 22.872" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

30cm of storm snow from Sunday's storm existed in the Hidden Peak area above 7000'.  We were able to find buried surface hoar at several locations at different elevation ranges buried below this storm snow.  With the exception of 1 ECTP, most of our snowpack tests did not show that propagation was likely on this layer.  The surface hoar grain size was smaller than witnessed yesterday <3mm and was thought to mostly have collapsed from the weight of the new snow.

We tested the 12/10 rain crust that has seen facet growth in some areas throughout the forecast area.  At this location (8294', 28 degree slope, 034N) we had no results with the ECT and PST 70/100 END down 70cm just below RC.   

 

Photo#1:  Small reactive wind slabs on the top of Hidden Peak.  9100', NE aspect.

Photo#2:  Snow surface wind texture towards the top of Hidden Peak indicating NE winds moving snow.  Amounts of snow moved in this area was minor with no visible moving snow during the mid day hours.  Large amounts of snow available for future transport if winds pick up.

Photo#3:  Snow coverage at 9000' on E/SE aspect.

 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light intermittent snow flurries during the day and in the mid afternoon during departure.  Mostly cloudy throughout day with some sun breaks.