Snowpit from Barker Pass

Location Name: 
Barker Pass
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/17/2016 - 13:06
Location Map: 
United States
39° 4' 44.1156" N, 120° 13' 21" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Weak layers at 18 cm (Jan 13?) and 33 cm (Jan 9?) below surface comprised of 2 mm SH. 

CTM14 RP and CTM12 RP on SH 2 mm, 18 cm below surface. 

CTE6 SP,  CTM12 SP, CTM14 SP on SH 2 mm, 34 cm below surface.

ECTN15 34 cm below surface.

Rollers and pinwheels, ~ 1 ft in diameter,  observed on W aspects at angle > 35 degrees.

 

Photo 1: Removal of CTM12 SP for SH inspection

Photo 2: 2 mm SH at 34 cm below surface

Photo 3,4, and 5: Pinwheel and rollers

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

As storm approached precip went from rain to snow. Winds increased from light to moderate.