Observations from Rubicon Peak

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 04/16/2016 - 11:10
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 21.1596" N, 120° 7' 48.8676" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

On E aspects below 8,800' and on N aspects below 8,000', recent storm snow had fully assimilated with older melt-freeze snow on Rubicon Peak. Above these elevations, up to 3 cm of remnant storm snow was observed. It will likely turn to wet snow this afternoon. On E aspects at 8,500', signs of a good snow surface refreeze existed with surface melt-freeze crust 15 to 20 cm thick observed. Conditions were very supportable during the late morning hours. On E aspects below 8,800' and N-NE aspects below 8,000', 3 to 5 cm of surface wet snow existed on top of melt-freeze crust at 11 am. Looking west into Desolation Wilderness, signs of recent loose wet avalanche activity were present in sun exposed areas.

Photo 1: Recent storm snow of 2 to 3 cm, yet to undergo melt freeze in shaded areas on N aspects above 8,000' at 10:30 am.

Photo 2: Recent storm snow fully assimilated with older melt-freeze snow on low angle N aspect at 7,800' at 11:15 am.

Photo 3: Recent storm snow fully assimilated with older melt-freeze snow on E aspects below 8,800' at 11:10 am.

Photo 4: Signs of recent loose wet avalanche activity in Desolation Wilderness as viewed from the summit of Rubicon Peak.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast