Observations from Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 04/05/2010 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 23.604" N, 119° 59' 9.24" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Ski pen from boot top to above knees. Boot pen at pit location 90cm.

Pit dug adjacent to very recent (~2hrs prior) natural soft slab R1 D1 at appx 11cm, consistent with pit observations. Debris ran 50 meters downslope, 20 meters across. Fracture layer appeared to be just below density change due to temperature spike, noted as 5cm to 11cm surface deposit in pit profile. Subtle warm layer, wet grains going to frozen state observed throughout E aspects, didn't interfere with skiing quality.

Informal tests including mitt pits and test slopes showed minor instabilities within the new snow. No fracture propagation observed.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light winds with moderate gusts at and below treeline. Consistent S1 precip, mix of graupel and PPs.