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.

Polaris Point Observations

Location Name: Polaris Point Region: Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area Observation Date & Time: Sunday, February 6, 2022 - 22:30
Location: 39.136226, -120.205162 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

We went to Polaris Point to monitor faceting in the upper snowpack. N and NE terrain has widespread near surface faceting. This decomposing layer is 3-4" in depth and sitting on top of a rain crust. Throughout our tour we experienced the broad array of conditions prevalent in our current snowpack. Near surface facets, surface hoar, melt freeze layers, breakable crusts, supportable crusts, wind effect....

Near surface facets on Northerly terrain at 7,400'. Ski penetration ~3".

Variable... facets in sheltered terrain, ice under tree canopies, and solar impacts near the ridge.

Solar and wind effect on flat exposed terrain near 8,000'.

Large surface hoar on sheltered NE terrain.

Pit on N aspect at 7,300' to monitor uppers snowpack faceting.

Snowpack Details

Total Snow Depth:

179cm

Persistent Weak Layers:

On the surface

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Near Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

7000 - 8000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

None

Wind Direction:

Northeast

Wind Speed:

Light

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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