Observation from Powderhouse Peak

Location Name: 
Powderhouse Ridge
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/11/2017 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 46' 58.0584" N, 119° 59' 0.3048" 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
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Photo 1: Settlement cones were visible around many trees.

Photo 2: Roughly 70 cms of new snow was present at 9000 on Powderhouse sitting on top of a firm but still wet layer. The upper edge of the wet snow was harder and less wet than the snow below. Large wet grains were easily visible. 

Photo 3: Snow was cracking and behaving cohesively on wind exposed ridges. 

Photo 4: Broken chunks of cornice did not trigger the slopes below at 9000 feet. 

Multiple Compression Tests produced Resistant Planar results in the Moderate range (from the elbow) within the storm snow. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast