Observations from Carson Pass

Location Name: 
Carson Pass
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 14:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 28.518" N, 119° 59' 19.0644" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

I took advantage of several low-consequence test slopes of varying aspects at this location between 8600 and 8800ft. Consistent cracking on loaded slopes, though cracks remained less than 100cm long. On very steep slopes, I could get small slab fractures just beneath me, but nothing to run any distance. All failures were within storm snow, just above old/new interface. Wind slabs remained soft in most locations, with the rare exception of a stiff, supportable slab.

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: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Significant blowing snow and very poor visibility. High density new snow.