Observations from Herlan Peak

Location Name: 
Herlan Peak
Region: 
East Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/16/2017 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 12' 11.3184" N, 119° 54' 56.9304" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

No signs of instability observed on W-NW-N aspects traveled on Herlan Peak today. Moderate to strong NE winds were present near treeline and on the summit, but no blowing snow was observed on Herlan proper. No signs of wind transport from last night either. Looking at the rest of the Tahoe Basin, some blowing snow was seen above treeline on Freel Pk and over in the Crystal Range (Pyramid to Dick's).

Evidence existed of a large avalanche that had moved through several hundred vertical feet of the NW slopes of Herlan Peak during the last storm. This avalanche traveled through the traditional ascent zone and placement of the current skin track. Debris were evident on the uphill side of trees up to 6 feet above the current snow surface. No clear signs of a crown remained. The debris on the uphill side of trees abruptly ceased at around 8,300'.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast