Observations from Hidden Peak

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 32.052" N, 120° 7' 30.756" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Evidence of slab instability was limited to snowpit data in this area today. The lower density weak layer of snow that was observed in several areas yesterday was absent at this location and in several hand pits dug while ascending. Several ECTs (at noted lat/long) produced variable propagation results. Wind slab depth along the summit ridge was 55cm with 2 x ECTP - 14 Q2 and Q3 results occurring down 25cm within the wind loaded storm snow. 1 x ECTP - 17 Q2 down 55cm at the old/new snow interface and 1 x ECTN with non-propagating failures down 25cm and down 55cm. HS at this location was >3.5m.

Video: After 2nd ECTP - 14 down 25cm, wind slab along summit ridge, NE aspect at 9,200'.

Photo: Small loose dry snow avalanche triggered by ski cut involving only the top 4-5cm of storm snow. Wind protected below treeline terrain, NNE aspect at 8,600'. Slope angle in excess of 40 degrees.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20130307 Hidden Pk testpit

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: