Warming Conditions on Silver Peak

Mostly sunny skies existed this morning on Silver Peak with warming conditions throughout the day.  SW winds were up to moderate in speed only along the north ridge of Silver Peak near 8000' and above with calm conditions below ridgeline.  Cold and soft snow continues to exist on N aspects that have not seen tree drippings or tree bombs.  All other aspects have started to transition with E aspects having some sun affected snow surfaces.  Large surface hoar existed at and below 7500' on open protected northerly terrain along with near surface facets in the top 10-15cm of the snowpack.  Above this elevation, where temperature inversions have allowed for warmer air aloft, the snow surface remained soft, but not as light as in the mid to lower elevation areas where the colder air has been settling.  The surface hoar was smaller above 7500' or not observed.  By early afternoon, temperatures were well above freezing with slow, wet, and sticky snow present on most aspects below 7000'.