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Storm instabilities in Shirley Canyon

Location Name: Shirley Canyon Region: Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Observation Date & Time: Sunday, February 3, 2019 - 13:00
Location: 39.207774, -120.249936 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Other Signs of Instability (cracking, whumpfing, collapsing) Other Signs of Instability (cracking, whumpfing, collapsing)›Shooting Cracks Recent Loading Recent Loading›Blowing Snow Recent Loading›More Than a Foot of New Snow Recent Loading›Snowfall Rates of More Than 1 in/hr Terrain Alerts: Terrain Matches the Advisory

Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

During our AIARE1 course today, we observed moderate cracking in wind-affected snow in open areas below treeline, and were able to intentionally trigger a 6-8" wind slab on a small, NE-facing test slope. We observed the storm snow to be upside-down, with 6-8" of heavier snow from today over slightly lighter snow from last night.

Moderate cracking in wind lip in open below-treeline terrain, 7000'.

Small 6-8" deep wind slab failed on test slope, NE aspect at 7000'.

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Near Treeline

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

6000-7000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

Moderate

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Strong

Sky Cover:

Obscured by fog, etc

Highest Precipitation Rate:

Heavy Snowfall (S5 = 5 cm /~2 in per hour)

Precipitation:

Snow

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Storm instabilities in Shirley Canyon

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Storm instabilities in Shirley Canyon

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