Snowpack observations from Barker Pass

Location Name: 
Barker Peak
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/02/2013 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 4' 49.0476" N, 120° 14' 31.416" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

The snowpack in this area was limited to aspects that faced NW-N-NE. On near and above treeline slopes sheltered from the east winds and on the below treeline slopes above 7500', the snowpack depth averaged about 10-14 inches. This snowpack consists of a mix of crusts and facets (weak sugary snow). In this area observations and tests indicated that the crusts remain stronger than similar crusts seen at higher elevations. However, the overall the snowpack is relatively weak.

On the wind scoured above treeline slopes and on the aspects that face the southern half of the compass at all elevations, only small areas of patchy snow cover exist.

Photo 1. A surface melt freeze crust and the underlying facets. This photo was taken at N39.077274, W-120.231499 at 7610 ft.

Photo 2. A near treeline NE-N facing bowl that was sheltered from the strong E-NE winds. The pit and location attached to this observation were near the trees on the far side of the photo. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest