Strong winds on Stevens Peak

Location Name: 
Stevens Peak
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 03/18/2011 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 59.16" N, 119° 58' 8.4" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Strong winds have already stripped many windward slopes down to ice layer, and created a deep wind slab on lee aspects.

Ski pen on wind slabs was only ~1cm. No signs of instabilities. Thickness and density of slab likely prevented us from stressing softer snow under slab.

Thinner, softer wind slab observed below treeline on traditionally sheltered slopes, with no signs of instabilites.

Huge plumes of wind transport could be seen on distant peaks. Much of this snow was redistributed into the atmosphere; but at least locally, moderate deposition was occuring on lee aspects.

New precip had not yet begun by our departure after noon.

HS at lat/long greater than 400cm.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: