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.

Kirkwood snowpack

Location Name: Kirkwood - Sentinel Bowl Region: Carson Pass Area Observation Date & Time: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 - 11:50
Location: 38.676839, -120.079556 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Obvious Slide Path Trigger Points Terrain Matches the Advisory

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Impressively poor structure, even for this time of year. Stability tests seemed pretty moot as there is no slab, but my layer of greatest concern is 61-55cm between the top and the second crust. On polar slopes, we only anticipate the structure to worsen. Furthermore, there is enough coverage above 8500 feet or so to make for some pretty continuous snow coverage in most of our start zones.

This pit was dug in the ski area, but is completely representative of a backcountry pack as there has been no mitigation and no skier compaction yet this season.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Snowpack Details

Total Snow Depth:

65cm

Persistent Weak Layers:

Buried

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

8000 - 9000 ft.

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Sky Cover:

Clear

Air temperature:

Below Freezing

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Kirkwood snowpack

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Kirkwood snowpack

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