Less E wind than forecast at Blue Lakes

Location Name: 
Blue Lakes
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/12/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 37' 54.8076" N, 119° 56' 49.8696" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pic 1: Minimal wind transport observed in this area today. Picture of SW aspect of The Nipple. E winds were not as high as forecast, with calm winds below treeline, and light winds along ridgetops.

Pic 2: Cutting previously wind loaded slopes produced no results, including when stacking tracks on top of each other.

Pic 3: Surface hoar growing up to ridgetops another indication of light winds.

Pic 4: Recent cornice fall that triggered a shallow avalanche below. Likely early this morning.

Mitt pits, slope tests, and column tests all showed a thin 10-15cm wind slab on all aspects above treeline that did not indicate propagation, nor was it ever observed thicker than 15cm.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
East