Observations from upper Horse Canyon

Location Name: 
Horse Canyon
Region: 
Bear Valley Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/17/2013 - 16:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 29' 42.3132" N, 120° 1' 58.656" W
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap

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

Pic 1: minimal snow remaining on S aspects of Mt Reba.

Pic 2: Similar snowpack observations to those made at Underwood Bowl on 2/15. Although 2 distinct faceted layers exist near the surface, both layers are interrupted and strengthened by vertical percolation tubes from previous rain events.

Video: RB7 on 44 degree incline, due N aspect at provided lat/long. Supported by over 20 compression tests across this slope with no results, even when continuing well beyond the standard 30 taps with as much force as possible. Although facets are observable near the surface, they are beginning to round and are well supported by vertical ice columns in this area.

 

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: