Warming above inversion boundary on Rubicon Peak.

Location Name: 
Rubicon Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/30/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 58.3836" N, 120° 7' 59.2176" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Air temperature inversion had surface snow on N aspects starting to melt today between about 7,200' and 7,600'. Both above and below this elevation band, surface snow on N aspects remain unconsolidated and had yet to undergo a melt cycle. Up at the summit, snow surface melt had yet to occur on E aspect terrain at 9,000'. Large settlement cones around trees indicated over 2 feet of settlement within the recent storm snow on N aspects over the past week. Previously wind scoured surfaces existed at and above treeline. No signs of slab related instability observed. A few minor roller balls were seen on SE aspects in Desolation Wilderness.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Air temperature trend: 
Warming