Observation from Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/13/2017 - 16:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 28.5144" N, 119° 59' 15.5544" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Snow depth in this location was 482 cms. A moderate East wind was blowing in this near tree line location but it was clearly stronger and moving significant snow at higher elevations or more open areas.  Jumping on test slopes and tree wells produced some cracking and a few small chunks of cornice that slid downslope without propogating further.

While evidence of huge debris is visible beneath some of the larger avalanche paths in this area, I didn't observe evidence of recent (past 24 hour) avalanche activity. 

A freezing fog/mist event occured during the first part of the day. I turned on my windshield wipers driving through Hope Valley. This fog appeared to have at least partially impacted Carson Pass as well. There was a very thin (1-2mm) and irregular crust on the surface. 

Photo 1: A very thin crust (likely created by freezing fog/mist) on top of fresh snow.

Photo 2: Sastrugi growing into the East wind. This was subtle but evident in many open areas receiving the East wind. 

Photo 3: Settlement cones around trees were widely observed.

Photo 4: A west facing slope exhibiting cracking and wind slab development. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Freezing rain/mist observed in Hope Valley that might have partially impacted higher slopes.