Carson Pass Observations

Location Name: 
Carson Pass
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/13/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 24.3312" N, 119° 59' 11.6952" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Strong wind and widespread blowing snow at Carson Pass today. Wind hardened snow cracked on skiers weight in multiple locations. Test slopes slid in response to stomping above them. Extended column tests near these test slopes revealed easy triggering and propagation. Video shows repeatable ECTP1's and a nonstandard 200 cm wide ECTP1 as well. 

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Carson Pass ECTP 2016.3.13

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Air temps were relatively warm (although just below freezing). While significant amounts of snow were blowing and falling from the sky, only a trace amount of new snow collected on my truck in the parking lot during the 4 hours it was there and roads below about 8000 feet were clear of snow.