Observations from Incline Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Incline Lake Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/12/2015 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 46.968" N, 119° 56' 16.764" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Snowpit tests, ski cuts on test slopes, and general observations indicated good bonding within the new snow and between the crust at the base of the new snow and the new snow. Ski cuts and jumping on wind loaded test slopes did not cause any wind slab failures, but repeated jumps did produce some minor cracking around my skis on one wind loaded test slope. Hand pits and probing with ski poles revealed a weak layer near the bottom of the snowpack on N-NE aspects. Snowpit tests targeting this persistent weak layer still indicated that it remains weak and that if it breaks fractures can travel through it. Snow coverage remains shallow on and numerous rocks and other obstacles lurk just below the surface.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light snow with no appreciable accumulation occurred during the afternoon. Southwest winds increased and started transporting snow along the ridgelines around 3:30 pm.