Snowpit and wet snow obs from Carpenter Ridge

Location Name: 
Carpenter Ridge
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 12:50
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 43.596" N, 120° 18' 45" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Photo: Basal facets with striations that are currently rounding.

Wet surface snow of 10 to 15 cm on all aspects up to highest elevation traveled of 8,600'. No evidence of wet snow instability observed. Conditions possible for human triggered small wet loose snow avalanches on steep northerly aspects.

The combination of warm overnight air temperatures and cloud cover is allowing for significant daytime melting with no overnight refreeze.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Brief periods of mist and rain during the mid day hours.