Several potential weak layers observed near Squaw Ridge

Location Name: 
Squaw Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/23/2018 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 37' 45.3936" N, 120° 3' 51.7932" W
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Rapid warming

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

Multiple weak layers observed near the surface in this area today. Primary concern is a faceted layer just under the recently buried crust (photo) that produced SP results on compression tests. But facets were also observed above this crust, and also a less developed faceted layer at the surface. Finally, two surface hoar layers; one buried 1-2 inches from the surface and one on the surface. The buried SH layer was most often observed laying down on sunny slopes or slopes exposed to the wind, and standing up on shaded, wind sheltered slopes, but this wasn't always consistent. Still no slab observed above any of these weak layers, but there was plenty of lightweight snow on W aspects for future wind transport.

Deeper faceted layer was probed at over 100cm from the surface in many areas, and the probe just dropped when reaching this layer. On a NW aspect near treeline at 9000ft, a PST on this layer showed propagation potential, with a PST 50/100 (end) down 90cm.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: