Snowpit from Carpenter Ridge

Location Name: 
Carpenter Ridge
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 43.7724" N, 120° 18' 51.5736" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Surface wind slabs were stable in this area. Intentional cornice collapse did not create any slab failure (photo). Snowpit test indicated that lower density layers below surface slabs were unlikely to propagate. This matched well with other informal observations in the area that revealed little to no cracking when loading slabs.

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: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Overcast in the morning with blowing snow over ridgetop. Cloud cover increased quickly, visibility decreased and light snowfall began around 1pm.