Wind and New Snow on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/06/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 7.6008" N, 119° 55' 19.1784" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

18-20'' of new storm snow at this location with active wind loading occurring throughout the day.  Snow surface conditions were wind effected and slightly heavy new storm snow.  Localized cracking in the most heavily wind loaded areas with large cornice formation.  Several cornice drops and ski kicks did not produce any avalanches or signs of propagation.  No other signs of avalanche instability was observed in this area today.   

Photo#1:  Strong to gale force winds throughout the day moving large amounts of snow.

Photo#2:  Ski kicks and cornice drops on many test slopes produced no cracking and no propagation.

Photo#3:  Test pit at 9200', N aspect, 30 degree slope.  2x ECTN's on multiple density changes within the new storm snow.  Tests did not show that propagation was likely.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Intermittent sun throughout the morning.  Light snow showers starting around 1pm with little accumulation.  SW winds strong to gale force and consistent throughout the day.