Widespread Wind Slab on Job's

Location Name: 
Job's Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 51' 32.4936" N, 119° 51' 41.31" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Our approach along Willow Creek to the SW of Job's showed little signs of recent wind transport, with 30cm ski pen through unconsolidated PPs and with minimal wind rolls and trees still holding significant snow. Great views of steep, crossloaded avalanche terrain on E, SE aspects of Freel and Job's Sister, with no recent avalanche activity observed.

Pic: However, as soon as we gained the ridge dividing Willow Creek and the main Job's drainage, signs of recent and significant wind transport became obvious.

Once into wind loaded terrain on N aspect of Job's, mitt pits and cautious ski cuts showed minimal signs of instability. 20cm moderate to hard wind slab on top of density change similar to that observed elsewhere in the forecast area, but shear quality was poor and ski cuts produced very localized results. Wind slab was widespread, yet discontinuous. Wind slab observed well into drainage, to approximately 8,000ft.

Several R4D3 natural avalanches were observed along both sides of NE drainage, with only a trace of new snow on debris. See avalanche observation here.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: