Observation from Waterhouse Peak

Location Name: 
Waterhouse Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/05/2017 - 12:20
Location Map: 
United States
38° 46' 38.0928" N, 119° 57' 34.3404" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Winds increased noticeably in early afternoon on Waterhouse Peak. A thin crust was observed on sun exposed East Facing slopes. More northerly aspects held wintry snow. Test slopes below treeline did not show signs of instability. Compression Tests on NE slopes at 9000 feet showed consistent Moderate results 25cms down near a thin crust.

Photo 1: Snow that had been redistributed by the wind.

Photo 2: Sastrugi and blowing snow near peak.

Video: Blowing snow and gale force winds near top of Waterhouse Peak.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Blowing snow and gale force winds on Waterhouse Peak.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Thin clouds covered the sky until midday and then transitioned to partial clouds and partial blue sky. The strongest ridgetop gusts made standing upright challenging.