Observations from Hidden Peak

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/06/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 33.438" N, 120° 7' 31.1772" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Damp day on Hidden Peak. Snow level seemed to have risen as high as 6,800' - 7,000' at mid day. Rain soaked snow below about 7,000'. Moist snow above 8,000' displayed no wet loose characteristics. Increasingly wet snow below 7,800 with widespread roller balls at and below 7,500'. Significant amounts of blowing snow at ridgetop level with notably less wind immediately below the ridgetop.

Difficult to trigger wind slabs up to 1 foot thick existed along the summit ridge. Skier triggered cracking was frequent in heavily wind loaded areas, but no test slope failures observed. Wind slabs did not appear to extend very far down slope. Poor visibility greatly limited the ability to see any signs of natural avalanche activity in the area.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour