Soft snow corn, and wind scoured surfaces on Hidden Peak

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/21/2013 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 31.9224" N, 120° 7' 27.84" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

On the near and above treeline N-NE aspects on Hidden Peak wind scoured surfaces existed and observations did not reveal any signs of instability on these aspects. Previously wind loaded W-SW aspects at these elevations now held more melt freeze snow than hard wind slabs. Handpits and pole probes on these aspects showed significant settlement and consolidation on these aspects. On the SE and SW aspects patches of firm melt freeze crusts existed as well as some areas of softer snow. On the due S aspects about 2 inches of soft corn snow had formed by noon. On the below treeline N-NE aspects 3-5 inches of soft unconsolidated snow still exists on the surface. Ski cuts on test slopes, handpits, and general observations did not reveal any signs of instability on these slopes either.

Photo 1: Soft corn snow on a S aspect at about 8400 ft.

Photo 2: Wind scoured surfaces near the summit of Hidden Peak

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: