Snowpack Observations from Tamarack Peak

Observations made today around the Tamarack Peak area.  Below the East Ridge a test pit was done to look at the near crust facets above the 12/15 rain crust-see snowprofile location.  Several different snowpack tests at this location did not show any weakness and results showed propagation was not likely on this layer.  These results in the Mt. Rose area vary from other recent observations along the Sierra Crest over the last week. 

There was evidence that recent winds have occurred through this area with some snow surface scouring and wind textured snow in exposed areas.  On the East Ridge (N39.313154 W-119.912347) at 9400', 030 north aspect, a testpit with an ECT did not show any weakness.  Several large blocks were dropped on to wind loaded slopes along the East Ridge with no results noted.

Snow surface conditions ranged from cold, unconsolidated snow on protected open shaded aspects.  Wind exposed areas had a variety of supportable wind board, breakable wind crusts, and pockets of wind blown soft snow.  Southerly aspects did have some wet surface snow that was sticky at lower elevations by mid day.