Gale Force Winds and New Snow on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 03/30/2017 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 49.6404" N, 119° 54' 59.328" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

4-5'' of new storm snow with gale force NW winds in the Tamarack Peak area.  Most starting zones of NW-N-NE slopes were scoured back down to previous snow surface.  Wind slabs existed on SE-S aspects and were up to 8'' deep.  These wind slabs were reactive with shooting cracks and some slope failure on steeper test slopes.  Light snow continued into the afternoon hours with cold winter conditions.   

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

IMG 0688

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