Observations from Deep Creek

Location Name: 
Deep Creek
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/05/2016 - 11:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 14' 22.632" N, 120° 15' 43.128" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Touring up to the SW corner of the head of the Deep Creek drainage revealed conditions similar to other portions of the forecast area along the Sierra Crest north of Tahoe City. Snowpack depths increased to 60 to 90 cm above 7,200'-7,500'. Significant previous wind scouring was evident on NW-N-NE aspects traveled in all but the most wind protected areas below treeline. Snowpit data collected on N aspects at 8,230' and 8,450' revealed faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. Snowpit tests on this layer indicated that the weak layer and overlying slab combination are conducive to propagation, but that triggering weak layer failure remains very difficult at his time.

Additional testpits dug in the same small bowl at 8,230' revealed different snowpack structures on  N vs NE aspects. The N aspect testpit (39.23882, -120.25947) held moderately well developed facets near the base of the snowpack that produced a PST 37/100 end result. The NE aspect testpit (39.23892, -120.25964) showed some very minor faceting at the base of the pit. PST scored 100/100. This matches well with previous observations, limiting potentially problematic facets to N aspects.

Video: PST result in N aspect 8450' snowpit. Full profile attached to this observation.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20161205 Deep Creek ,CA PST 42/100 end

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Noticeable cooling at the 8,000' level with approaching cold front.