Continued E winds with reactive wind slabs

Location Name: 
Monument Pass
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/15/2013 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 54' 47.5668" N, 119° 53' 42.4176" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

More E winds again today, with active wind loading observed and reactive wind slabs on top of unconsolidated DFs.

Video 1: ECTP 11 SP, ECTP 7 SP and ECTP 5 SP. Increasing sensitivity as I proceeded upslope with tests due to increasing slope angle. Slab thickness not yet a concern at this location. Although facets under MFcr were quite weak, the layer itself was discontinuous, which was supported by mitt pits in this area.

Video 2: ECTP 17 and 20 SP. Slab thickness was enough at this location to be a concern if triggered. Similar results with hand shears in this area.

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: