Wind transport on Rose Knob Peak.

Significant wind transport under moderate to strong SW winds was observed in this area and on surrounding peaks today. At 11 am up to 15 cm of snow was still on the ground and available for wind transport on windward aspects. Winds were noted to transport snow far beyond ridgelines, creating a wider, shallower area of deposition rather than localized deeper slabs directly below the ridgelines.

A testpit dug at treeline on a moderately wind loaded NE aspect test slope around 8,700' (39.284275, -119.957029) produced ECTN results on surface wind slabs. No lingering storm slab instabilities were observed. Bonding of new snow to the crust at the old/new snow interface appeared very good with no signs of problematic near crust faceting.

Clear skies at 9:30 am were observed to allow for sufficient incoming solar radiation to warm the snow surface on SE aspects in the 7,400' to 7,800' elevation range. Small skier triggered roller balls not more than 7 cm in diameter were observed. Increasing cloud cover by late morning limited further snow surface warming to short periods during isolated sun breaks at mid day.

Photo 1: ECTN results in test pit. Testpit performed by Daryl Teittinen in company with Brandon Schwartz.

Photo 2: Morning clear skies allowing for significant incoming solar radiation.

Video: Wind transport at treeline (At lat/long attached to this observation).