Observations from Deep Creek

Location Name: 
Deep Creek
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/14/2013 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 14' 36.492" N, 120° 14' 32.676" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Continued significant persistent weak instability was observed in this area today, one week post snowfall. Widespread collapsing with audible whumphing was observed on near treeline and below treeline northerly aspects from 7,200' up to the high point of travel at 7,800'. Some of the collapses were so pronounced that a wave was visible traveling on the snow surface as the collapsing weak layer propagated away from the trigger point. Some cracking with visible vertical displacement of 2 cm was also observed.

Photo 1: Low angle terrain near snowpit location at 7,840' where a propagation wave was observed.

Photo 2: Shooting crack that appeared following skier triggered snowpack collapse below treeline on a north aspect at 7,300'. Shadow line alopng the crack shows vertical displacement of 2cm.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: