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.

Weak snow on Fireplug

Location Name: Tamarack peak/fireplug Region: Mount Rose Area Observation Date & Time: Thursday, December 2, 2021 - 12:09
Location: 39.326435, -119.908470 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Persistent Problem Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Obvious Slide Path

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Took a short hike to look at snow cover on the steep N-NE aspects of Fireplug. 30-60cms of snow in this area above 8500'. I dug two quick test pits at 8600' and found a similar snowpack structure to other high elevation N terrain in the region, with faceting observed throughout the top 30cms of the snowpack. Compression tests showed sudden collapse failures on the facet layers below both crusts within the snowpack.

Snow coverage and signs of past large avalanches

Inadequate coverage for ski travel

Striated facets below crust on NE aspect

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Snowpack Details

Total Snow Depth:

40cm

Persistent Weak Layers:

On the surface

Buried

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Near Treeline

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

8000 - 9000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

None

Wind Speed:

Calm

Sky Cover:

Clear

Precipitation:

None

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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Weak snow on Fireplug

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Weak snow on Fireplug

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