Continued Persistent Slab Instability on Elephants Hump

Location Name: 
Elephants Hump
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/16/2018 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 25.6524" N, 119° 58' 3.1764" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

We went to Elephants Hump to compare data and snowpack tests that were done on Jan. 11 (5 days ago) when a natural persistent slab avalanche released.  We targeted the crown of the avalanche that occurred and other areas that showed natural cracking and large whumpfing sounds when we last visited.  Snowpack test results from the crown and other areas on NW-N-NE aspects in near and below treeline terrain all showed consistent unstable test results.  While the facet layer has been moist to wet for many days now, this layer continues to persist and be reactive.  Concern exists that a large load, like the forecasted storm for Thursday/Friday, may be sufficient to cause failure on this weak layer. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20180116 Continued persistent slab instability, Carson Pass, CA

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest