Roller Balls on Gold Peak

Location Name: 
South Shoulder of Gold peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 02/24/2016 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 12' 41.1624" N, 120° 14' 55.1184" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Poor refreeze last night resulted in very sloppy conditions today. There were a few areas that were exposed to the night sky and maybe wind that held more supportable upper snowpack and descent corn skiing. By 12:30pm, I was able to initiate roller balls that exceeded 2ft in diameter, on steep (45+) SE slopes. (see photo)

Free water is making its way down through the upper snowpack at a slow, steady pace on southerly aspects in the Silver/ Gold zone. With the continued lack of a solid nightime refreeze, the upper snowpack is somewhat punchy, sticky, and doesn't put up much resistance to daytime warming. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Hot, calm day.