Wet Snow Near Red Vista

Location Name: 
Red Vista
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/15/2015 - 16:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 26.07" N, 119° 58' 36.084" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

On any slopes where snow existed, the snow was wet today. Some slopes did show signs of a minor refreeze in the form of a breakable surface melt-freeze crust, but stepping off my skis always resulted in sinking at least up to mid-shin into wet unsupportable snow. North aspects up to at least 9000 ft. even held deep wet snow this afternoon. Ski cuts on test slopes did trigger small roller balls and pin wheels. Snow cover continues to diminish and areas of bare ground now exist in this area on NE aspects below 8400 ft.

Photo 1: Mid-shin deep wet snow on a NE aspect at 8400 ft. at 3 pm.

Photo 2: Snow coverage on a NE aspect at 8200 ft.

Photo 3: Skier triggered pinwheels on a N aspect at 8600 ft. Taken at the location attached to this observation. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Mostly clear skies with some occasional high clouds south of Highway 50 today.