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.

Snowpit from Shirley Canyon

Location Name: Lower Tram Ridge, Shirley Canyon Region: Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Observation Date & Time: Friday, March 9, 2018 - 15:00
Location: 39.202487, -120.248280 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Persistent Problem

Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

AIARE 2 course in the field today. Very warm conditions on our short tour, with lots of roller balls on steep terrain and wet, sticky snow. Our goal was to get high enough to observe the facets below the recent snow. We found them approx 80cm down, but this layer is not showing any signs of propagation in this area. 3 test profiles were dug (the attached profile graph is one of them), and all pits showed similar results.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Snowpack Details

Total Snow Depth:

110cm

Persistent Weak Layers:

Buried

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

6000-7000 ft.

Wind Speed:

Calm

Sky Cover:

Overcast - Cloudy - 8/8 covered

Highest Precipitation Rate:

Very Light Snowfall (S-1 = up to .5cm /~.25 in per hour)

Precipitation:

Snow

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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Snowpit from Shirley Canyon

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Snowpit from Shirley Canyon

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