Wind Loading and New snow on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 04/13/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 23.5092" N, 120° 14' 36.9672" 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: 

Below 7500 ft. 2 to 6 inches of new snow existed in the Silver Peak area this morning. At these lower elevations, the top 2to 3 inches of new snow became heavier and warmer during the day, but we did not see any loose wet snow instabilities. Above 7500 ft, the new snow amounts increased significantly with up to 10 inches of new snow in areas close to 8000 ft. The new snow rested on top of a wet rain crust with a deep layer of rain-soaked snow below it at all elevations. Test pits, probing, and other observations indicated that good bonding exists within the new snow and between the new snow and the rain crusts/wet snow. Ski cuts on wind-loaded test slopes in near and above treeline terrain and oven sized cornice pieces dropped onto wind-loaded slopes did not trigger any cracking or other signs of instability. Above 7500 ft. in sheltered N facing terrain the new snow remained soft. In areas exposed to the wind, a thin and punchy wind crust/slab existed on the surface. 

Video: Ongoing wind-loading along the ridgeline on Silver Peak

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Wind Transport and Cornice building on Silver Peak

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: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow showers continued throughout the day and were heavy at times with snowfall rates approaching 1-2 inches per hour for brief periods during the afternoon.