Wet and Sticky Snow on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 56.2176" N, 119° 55' 5.3364" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Wet and sticky snow on all aspects in the Tamarack Peak area.  Mist and light rain were occuring thoughout the day up to at least 9600'.  Evidence of snow and rain over the last day during this recent storm but very little snow left on trees in the area by mid day.  2-4'' of wet surface snow on top of a thin firm rain crust that must have froze last night when temps droped and new snow fell in this area.  The near surface facets on protected shaded aspects are mostly moist and cohesive although still much less dense than the wet snow/rain mixture that is on top.  The wet surface snow caused small roller balls while skiing but did not pose any threat and was limited to the top 2-4''.

 

Photo#1:  9100', North aspect, 25 degree protected treed slope.  2-3'' of wet snow on top of a frozen rain crust.  Below is what was the surface facets in protected areas pre storm.  This facet layer is now moist and cohesive on  top with drier/colder snow still existing at the bottom of this layer.

Photo#2:  Small surface roller balls only involving the top 2-3'' of wet snow.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Rain
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Valley fog with high clouds throughout the day.  Mix of snow and rain over the last day with mist to light rain throughout today.