Wet Loose on Rose Knob

Location Name: 
Rose Knob
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/02/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 37.0752" N, 119° 57' 28.7244" W
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Terrain Trap

Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Transitioning snowpack on all aspects in this area today.  E-SE-S aspects were mostly supportable at 11am above 8000' with 3-4'' of wet snow on top of a firmer base with decent travel conditions.  On more shaded NE aspects, some soft unconsolidated snow still existed.  Although, conditions were deteriorating with warming temperatures and tree drippings.  Below 8000', surface snow became sticky and punchy with more widespread wet loose activity.  At N39.281521 W-119.948996, a wet loose avalanche was intentionally skier triggered on an E aspect at 7650'.  Avalanche was 25' wide by 100' long and ran down into the creek gully.  Small wet loose avalanches like this one could have consequences when a terrain trap is involved.  
 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: