Observations from Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/04/2015 - 11:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 23.6604" N, 120° 14' 37.1148" 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: 

Little to no evidence of instability observed on below treeline and near treeline N-NE-E aspects in this area today. Very minor cracking (photo is of largest observed) occurred below 7,500' with skier triggered collapse of vegetation and a <1cm melt freeze crust at the old/new snow interface. This cracking was not indicative of a problematic weak layer. Wind slabs had formed in near treeline terrain but showed no evidence of instability in response to ski cuts and snowpit tests.

Recent warming had drastically decreased the snowpack temperature gradient in this area at 8,200' and below. What was reactive fairly loose grained basal facets in this area on Nov 27 is now well rounded, moist, and easily forms a dense snowball. Snowpit tests indicated significant strength gains in this layer.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest