Observations from Squaw Ridge

Location Name: 
Squaw Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/31/2015 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 38' 42.7884" N, 120° 3' 9.1548" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pic 1: Surface hoar up to 15mm observed from Tragedy Springs to Squaw Ridge, and appeared to have grown throughout the day until our departure at 3:30pm.Especially large on shaded aspects along Squaw Ridge. Very calm air at ridgetop today.

Pic 2: Previously windloaded test slopes did not show any signs of cracking or wind slab instabilities.

Pic 3: N/NE aspects at ridgetop had a firm crust at the surface from previous wind scouring.

The 12/24 crust is quite evident in this area, observed at the surface on wind scoured aspects and as deep as 2ft from the surface in wind sheltered trees. Crust is beginning to facet, especially on shady slopes open to the sky and where shallowly buried. However, no instabilities observed near the 12/24 crust today. Dense, strong snowpack observed below the crust. HS highly variable due to uneven ground cover in this region. S aspects rideable with caution down to Silver Lake elevations.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Localized snow showers and cloud cover observed from Hope Valley to Carson Pass while driving at both AM and PM. Minimal accumulation.