Warming much slower than expected on Carson Pass.

Location Name: 
Red Lake Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/28/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 19.2492" N, 119° 59' 25.368" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Rapid warming did not materialize as forecast this morning on the N side of Carson Pass. On the E-SE-S-SW-W aspects on the SW flank of Red Lake Peak, a mix of very supportable snow surface conditions were encountered. On E and W aspects, shallow amounts of wind packed recent storm snow from yesterday had yet to enter a first melt cycle. S aspects had a 3 to 4 cm thick melt-freeze crust on them from yesterday/last night. As of 11 am, open slopes above treeline had not entered into melt phase. Isolated small pockets of wind protected terrain were just starting to enter melt phase at 11 am, but were far from developing instability.

Some small amounts of blowing snow were visible along ridgelines and summits above treeline, but limited snow remained available for wind transport. No signs of problematic wind slabs were observed in the above treeline areas traveled.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East