Transitional wet snow (not corn yet) on SE-S-SW aspects on Carson Pass.

Location Name: 
Carson Pass/West shoulder of Red Lake Pk
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/09/2017 - 11:15
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 31.7628" N, 119° 59' 27.3768" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Corn conditions do not exist yet on SE-S-SW aspects on Carson Pass. Surface wet snow is forming each day, but semi-supportable to marginally supportable cold snow yet to be affected by melt freeze sits immediately below it. Rough wind sclupted snow surfaces (sastrugi) were widespread on S-SW-W aspects.

Some areas of natural roller ball activity were visible on surrounding peaks, mainly on E-SE aspects. Minor amounts of intentionally skier triggered roller balls were easy to created between 11 am and noon.

Some signs of developing loose wet avalanche problems were noted from ski cuts on steep S aspect test slopes at noon. These were minor and less than 4 inches deep. Indications existed that the problem would develop more during the afternoon hours after our departure from the area.
 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West