Wind Scoured Slopes and Hard Slabs on Relay Peak

Location Name: 
Relay Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/09/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 40.536" N, 119° 56' 42.18" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Collected observations along the high ridges around Relay Peak looking for evidence of hard slabs.  At noted Lat/long, on a NW aspect, snowpack tests indicated that the facet layer remains weak and that propagation is likely if initiated.  The hard slabs in this area are large (up to 2'+) and are firm (P to K hardness).  These hard slabs are on top of a F hard facet layer.  The overall strength of these hard slabs are impressive and can barely be cut up for snowpack tests.  In these areas, it doesn't seem realistic that hard slab failure could occur.  In areas where a thinner hard slab exist; like further downslope, sides of gullies, and areas in complex terrain, seem more possible for this potential problem.  Spot probing other slopes in this area had a mix of conditions but it was hard to find a repeatable spot with the facet/hard slab combo. 

Open south aspects had melt freeze conditions but coverage is becoming spotty on most of these S aspects in this area.    

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
East