Upside down storm at Luther Pass

Location Name: 
Powderhouse Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/21/2015 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 47' 0.6756" N, 119° 58' 32.376" 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: 

Pic 1: Flagging on trees from base to summit of Powderhouse showed N/NW winds, and a brief pause on Powderhouse summit confirmed this to be the predominant wind direction. (Pic is auto-rotated, click on it to see it upright)

Pic 2: Strong winds observed even in trees that are typically wind sheltered.

Pic 3: Heavy, wet snow that was already showing settlement cracks around trees all the way to summit.

Between strong winds redistributing snow even in the trees, and poor visibility, it was hard to tell exactly how much new storm snow there was today, though it generally appeared to be 30-40cm by my departure at sunset. 12/13 crust was now buried down 55cm from the surface at 9200ft. No persistent weaknesses observed near this crust today, though obvious storm snow weakness observed 10-15cm above crust. Several storm snow density changes observed that were reactive to mitt pits, though not ski cuts of steep rolls nor cutting above skin track. Very distinct "upside down" quality to storm snow that was consistently observable and obvious even with rough tools like the basket side of ski pole. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour