Observations from Sugar Bowl to Squaw traverse.

Location Name: 
Sugar Bowl to Squaw traverse
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/19/2016 - 14:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 47.2368" N, 120° 16' 30.9072" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Traversing from Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley today along the Sierra Crest revealed that a strong overnight snow surface refreeze had occurred in the area. Surface snow on solar aspects was just starting to enter melt phase in wind protected areas at 10:30 am. During the mid day hours conditions remained supportable on all aspects. Around 2:30 pm deep wet snow boot penetration began on all solar aspects. Descending Shirley Canyon between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm, snow surface conditions remained skier supportable on solar aspects above 8,000', but quickly became deep unsupportable wet snow below 7,800'. Free water drainage from the snowpack was well established at the mid and lower elevations with numerous open flowing creeks. This free water drainage keep significant amounts of skier triggered loose wet snow instability from occurring.

Photo: 20 cm wet snow boot penetration at noted lat/long (nil aspect, 7,800') at 2:30 pm.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: