Wet Heavy Snow Near Echo Lake

Location Name: 
Echo Lake
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 02/28/2014 - 13:45
Location Map: 
United States
38° 50' 9.8124" N, 120° 3' 30.6288" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

6 inches of wet heavy snow existed above a semi-forzen crust below 7600 ft near Echo Lake today (photo 1). Ski cuts triggered minor roller balls on slopes at this elevation (photo 2). As the day warmed up the snow quickly grew wetter and heavier. 

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

After a period of moderate snow this morning skies clear and the sun came out until around noon. This sunshine quickly warmed up the snow and made it wet and heavy.  At this point clouds moved back in and moderate snowfall began. Another lull in the snow occurred between 1 and 2 pm then heavier snow (1-2 inches/hr) started around 2 pm. Temperatures seemed to gradually increase resulting in the snow becoming heavier and wetter during the day. Below treeline the winds remained calm.