Observations from Becker/Talking

Location Name: 
Becker/Talking
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/11/2011 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 54.1848" N, 120° 3' 50.004" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Snowfall finally began around noon, with only ~2 to 3cm by 2pm. Moderate W/SW winds with Strong gusts.

Pic 1: Thin slab easy to kick off, most reactive along ridge. Weak layer rounding NSFs at old/new interface.

Pic 2: Thickest slab observed at 15cm.

Pic 3: Mitt pit at about 7600ft, 15 degree aspect, open area surrounded by trees. Similar results to those seen on ridge. Easy failure on old/new interface at 2cm when compressive support removed. NSF as weak layer, though these grains look to be rounding. Temps at mitt pit:

     T air = -2c

     T surf = -2c

     T 10 = -4c

     T 20 = -5c

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Intensity of precip decreased significantly at 3pm