Observations from Barker Pass and Peak

Location Name: 
Barker Pass & Peak
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/09/2016 - 11:50
Location Map: 
United States
39° 4' 48.828" N, 120° 14' 25.224" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

A notable lack of wind slabs and storm slabs was observed in this area today. Light SW winds over the ridgetops observed with no moving snow and no wind loading occurring near or above treeline on the N-NE-E sides of Barker Peak. New snow amounts of 1 inch were evenly distributed on all aspects. Surface hoar crystals up to 6 mm that persisted through yesterday was observed buried under the new snow in all open areas, but is inconsequential at this time. Three separate test pits dug in near treeline and below treeline open areas on N and NE aspects between 7,600' and 8,000' did not find evidence of the Jan 5 buried surface hoar layer that has been observed around 45 cm below the snow surface in other portions of the forecast area. No evidence of instability was observed either informally or in any of the three test pits. (Test pit locations 39.08023, -120.24034 | 39.08174, -120.23985 | 39.07287, -120.22658)

Photo: 6 mm surface hoar crystals buried under 1 inch of new snow.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Mostly very light snowfall with short, isolated periods of s-1.