Observations from East Ridge Tamarack

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 01/14/2016 - 11:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 48.1104" N, 119° 54' 45.4212" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Some cracking below treeline and near treeline due to a buried graupel layer.  In more protected areas  below treeline this layer was down 25cms and showing ECTP's in the easy range.  In higher terrain in more wind loaded areas this layer was 40cms deep and still showing consistent ECTP's in the easy range.  At both locations fracture character was SC Q2 with resistance to sliding off the block. 

Active wind loading was occurring throughout the morning and increasing into the afternoon.  Some small shooting cracks were observed in wind loaded areas but wind slabs were stubborn and would not fail with ski kicks or large cornice drops.  No other signs of instability were seen in this area today.

Photo#1:  Evidence of previous avalanche activity during the previous storm.  Most likely cornice triggered and running full path down into the trees.

Photo#2:  Many ski kicks and cornice drops just produced minor loose snow falling downhill with no evidence of reactive slabs.

Photo#3:  At 9320', buried graupel layer producing consistent easy ECTP's down 25cms.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

SW winds increasing in speed into the mid day.