Scouring and Shallow Snow on Meiss Ridge

Location Name: 
Meiss Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 11/25/2013 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 54.036" N, 120° 0' 35.7768" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Consistent snow cover only existed on the sheltered NW-N-NE aspects above 8600 ft. in this area. This observation matches well to other recent data that shows heavy wind scouring of the exposed near and above treeline NW-N-NE-E aspects. In those areas with snow cover, 10-16 inches of snow existed. This snowpack consisted of a layer of recent snow that has started to change into weak sugary snow above an older melt freeze crust with more weak sugary snow below it. Snowpit data, observations, and tests indicate that the snowpack continues to weaken.

On aspects facing the southern half of the compass, bare ground still remains exposed on most slopes. Some "patchy" snow cover does exist on a few of these slopes.

Photo 1. East wind scoured N-NE facing above treeline slopes.

Photo 2. Basal facets 1 to 2mm with some striations.

Photo 3. Pit wall with facet layer clearly visible.

Photo 4. Snow covered slopes at treeline as viewed from pit location.

 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static