Observations from Mt. Tallac

Location Name: 
Mt. Tallac
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/03/2016 - 12:20
Location Map: 
United States
38° 54' 58.6044" N, 120° 5' 47.652" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Evidence of widespread wind effect in this area both above and below treeline on N-NE-E-SE aspects traveled. Small wind slabs had formed yesterday along ridgelines. Very minor/inconsequential cracking directly under skis was common (photo). In only one of the numerous areas of recently formed wind slab were we able to create a crack up to 2 m long. No other signs of instability observed. Ridgetop winds were moderate in speed from the south with no visible wind transport of old snow on the ground.

A testpit at the noted lat/long (NE aspect, below treeline, 8,230') targeting the Dec 24 rain crust showed some early stage faceting below the crust. Snowpit tests indicated that propagation along this relative weak layer remains unlikely in this area at this time.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
South