Observations from Tamarack Peak.

Location Name: 
Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 04/17/2017 - 11:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 1.65" N, 119° 55' 10.0344" 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: 

Generally foggy/misty conditions on Tamarack Peak today up to the summit at 9,900'. Light rain showers were observed as high as 9,000' and moderate snow showers were observed as low as 8,500'. In wind sheltered areas, 4 inches of dense new snow existed. In wind loaded areas, new snow amounts up to 1 foot existed.

Informal tests did not reveal signs of instability while on tour in the area. Formal snowpit tests performed in a wind loaded area at treeline at 9,800' on a NE aspect (noted lat/long) revealed ECTN results. Non-propagating failures were observed both within the storm snow and at the old/new snow interface. NDOT GazEx exploder mitigation work near the top of the pass on a N aspect appeared to have created some shallow wind slab avalanches that failed within the storm snow.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None