Tamarack Peak Observations

Warmer temperatures with periods of sun were found on Tamarack Peak in the Mt. Rose area today.  A couple inches of new snow fell here on Monday night/early Tuesday morning.  Winds remained strong, from the NW today, but seemed to be less impactful than they have been over the last few days.  Even with the strong winds, light to minimal amounts of snow transport was observed.  Most near and above treeline areas have now been thoroughly wind scoured from multiple directions over the last week leaving firm wind sculpted features, hard wind slabs, and firm wind crusts.  Below treeline terrain was much more variable with soft snow, wind board, and punchy unsupportable wind crusts.  Snowpack tests(ECT's) targeting the hard wind slabs did not show propagation results with no other cracking or signs of instabilities present.  Slopes that had smooth wind scoured surfaces that were in the sun were providing good soft travel conditions.  Small inconsequential roller balls occurred on turns involving the new couple inches of recent snow on E-SE aspects.