Melt Freeze Conditions at Stevens Peak

Location Name: 
Stevens Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/28/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 44' 0.96" N, 119° 58' 51.3768" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Supportable melt freeze conditions existed in the Stevens Pass area today.  Above 9000' on a SE aspect, the SW winds were slowing the softening process but there was still 1-2'' of soft snow on top of a supportable and firm melt freeze crust by late morning.  Below 8800' on SE aspects,  snow surface conditions were smooth with good corn snow and that continued down to the parking area.  Northerly aspects consisted of firm wind board and a variety of crusts.  

Photo:  Boot Pen of 15cm at 7600' @12:30 with supportable ski conditions. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

High level thin clouds throughout the morning with breaks of sun.  SW winds in the light to moderate range keeping the snow surface colder at the higher elevations.