Hidden Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/18/2012 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 30.99" N, 120° 7' 29.1216" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Evidence of past recent avalanche activity in this area.  Today, no signs of instability below the upper bench, 8200', while skiing.  On the upper mountain up to the Peak the snowpack had a distinct different feel.  While down skiing there were shooting cracks off of your skis with heavy sluffing and lots of moving snow in low angle terrain.

Photo #1 and #2:  Previous slab avalanche activity, NE aspect, 7800', below treeline, 35-40 degree convex rollovers just off the main skintrack.  Probably occuring early Saturday morning and partially covered up by the subsequent snow.

Video #1:  ECTP18 down 1.5' on storm snow instability.

Video #2: Layering of the snowpack at 9100' on Hidden Peak, wind loaded location just off of upper ridge.  110cm of storm snow on a distinct rain/wet snow crust, 2cm thick and pencil hardness.  Below that very strong and consolidated snow down to the old January M/F crust and facet combo which is 270cm deep.  Total depth of snow at this location 340-350cm.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

HiddenPeak2012-3-18 009.avi

HiddenPeak2012-3-18 010.avi

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

3-4'' of new snow this morning on the existing skintrack.  Light SW winds increasing slightly throughout the day at the higher elevations.  4-6'' of new snow during the morning into early afternoon.  Snow and wind intensity increase in the early afternoon hours.