The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

Wind on Red Lake Peak

Location Name: Red Lake Peak ridge/bowl Region: Carson Pass Area Date and time of observation: Mon, 02/09/2015 - 15:00
Location Map: United States 38° 43' 4.1592" N, 119° 58' 38.9424" 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:

At a wind loaded spot at 9000 feet on Red Lake Peak there was about 30 cms of new storm snow. Significant wind transport observed. Limited visibility but no natural or skier triggered avalanche activity observed.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Snowpack photos:

<a href="/avalanche-terms/sastrugi" title="Wind eroded snow, which often looks rough like frozen waves. Usually found on windward slopes." class="lexicon-term">Sastrugi</a> growing in the wind.

Sastrugi growing in the wind.
Sastrugi growing in the wind.

Mix of scoured crusts and wind effected snow.
Mix of scoured crusts and wind effected snow. Small tree well <a href="/avalanche-terms/cornice" title="A mass of snow deposited by the wind, often overhanging, and usually near a sharp terrain break such as a ridge. Cornices can break off unexpectedly and should be approached with caution." class="lexicon-term">cornice</a> broke easily.

Small tree well <a href="/avalanche-terms/cornice" title="A mass of snow deposited by the wind, often overhanging, and usually near a sharp terrain break such as a ridge. Cornices can break off unexpectedly and should be approached with caution." class="lexicon-term">cornice</a> broke easily.

Small tree well cornice broke easily.
Small tree well cornice broke easily.

Reverse <a href="/avalanche-terms/skin-track" title="Backcountry skiers and some snowboarders ascend slopes using climbing skins attached to the bottom of their skis." class="lexicon-term">skin track</a>. This <a href="/avalanche-terms/skin-track" title="Backcountry skiers and some snowboarders ascend slopes using climbing skins attached to the bottom of their skis." class="lexicon-term">skin track</a> was put in earlier today.

Reverse skin track. This skin track was put in earlier today.
Reverse skin track. This skin track was put in earlier today.

Snowpit videos (tests, etc):