Snowpit and observations from Rubicon Peak

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 23.28" N, 120° 8' 1.932" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Snow level was at 8,100' in this area today, so conditions changed significantly between the parking area at 7,000' and the summit at 9,000'. Below snow level, rain had penetrated up to 6 inches deep in the top portion of the snowpack. Above 8,500' high density and very supportable new snow existed with boot penetration of only 6 inches. Density inversions previously observed within the new snow from the past 3 days had mostly consolidated in this area. The persistent weak layer was observed in the pit location at 8,960' at 5.4 feet below the snow surface. In this location a very strong and stable slab of more recent storm snow is supporting the load of the snowpack above the facet/crust persistent weak layer. In areas further south and east where significantly less new snow has accumulated during the month of March, this weak layer will be much closer to the snow surface and therefor easier to trigger and cause snowpack failure.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above 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: 

During the mid day hours, snow level was at 8,100'. Mixed rain and snow, frequently changing back and forth observed from 8,000' to 7,800'. All rain below 7,800'.