Observations from Stevens Peak

Location Name: 
Alhambra Mine gulch
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/22/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 46.6968" N, 119° 59' 2.2704" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Trace of new snow found on approach below 8000 feet. Crossing south east facing slopes above 8000 feet held the minimum amount of snow necessary for skinning. 

North facing slopes above treeline were a mix of ice, scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and patches of soft snow that escaped the previous east wind. Lower angle slopes near and below treeline (but above 8000) held soft snow. The shady side of the gullies in this area were mostly soft facets below the new snow. 

Photo 1: Variable conditions on a north east facing slope.

Photo 2: Old crown below east facing ridge. Crown had been considerably eroded by 12/21 wind but appeared to stretch over a hundred feet wide. There was no remaining debris on the firm slopes below. 

Photo 3: Pit adjacent to old crown revealing soft Near Surface Facets below hard crust.

Photo 4: Crust on top of NSFs failed upon isolation or a single CT tap

Photo 5: ECTs didn't propagate. Crust was impressively strong but a little brittle. 

Photo 6: Sastrugi from previous east wind

Photo 7: Ice...highly variable. 

Photo 8: Meiss Meadows from ridge by Stevens Peak

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: