ECTP's in Deep Creek

Location Name: 
Deep Creek
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/19/2013 - 13:25
Location Map: 
United States
39° 14' 34.4796" N, 120° 15' 29.4732" W
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing

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

Some consolidation seems to have occurred in this area since 12/14. A layer of weak sugary snow still exists near the base of the snowpack, but no whumpfs and only one small human triggered collapse occurred in this area as a result of this layer of weak snow failing today. Snowpit tests still indicate that breaking this layer remains possible and that if it does break the resulting fractures could propagate along this weak layer. This layer remains widespread in the near and below treeline N-NE aspects in this area.

Wind speeds and snow fall amounts were much less than forecasted today. No wind slabs existed on any aspects in the above treeline terrain.

Photo: Wind scoured NE aspect in near treeline terrain. You can see the line above which the winds have swept the snow away from the slope this fall. Below the trees the slope was more sheltered and held more snow.

Video: ECTP - A fracture propagates along the Dec. 7th facets in this test.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

ECTP in Deep Creek

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Wind speeds and snow fall amounts were much less than forecasted today. Below the ridgelines the winds remained calm all day. Above treeline along the Sierra Crest light to moderate E-NE winds did exist. Snowfall totals measured about .5 to 1.5 inches in this area.