Reactive PSTs from Ralston

Location Name: 
Ralston
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/08/2012 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 53.4" N, 120° 5' 59.28" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pic: N,NE,E aspects were wind scoured at the top, but mid slope cross loading evident.

Videos: From provided lat/long on 34 degree slope. 2x PST 35/100 on NCF, consistent with observations elsewhere in the forecast area. The NCF under the Jan 26th IFrc was more worriesome in this location than the NCF under the Feb MFcr. Note the latter NCF was clearly visible upon removing the column in the second test. HS 120cm.

Minimal and non reactive wind slab from recent E winds was observed on SW bowl of Ralston. A hasty pit on SW bowl at 8800ft showed expected IFrc with MFcr above it, but no faceting observed.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: