Obs-Snow Profile: Huntington Canyon 12/10/2010

Observer Name:

Helgeson

Region:

Huntington Canyon
Skyline

Observation Date:

12/10/2010

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Northwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Weather Comments:

Graupeled almost all day. 10 cm of snow available for transport, and the moderate to strong ridgetop winds were doing just that; re-distributing snow. Looks like a bit was lost to sublimation, but, plenty was redeposited on lee aspects.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Quite a bit of Graupel & de-composing fragments on the surface. Ski Penetration was quite limited, only 15 cm or so.

In sheltered locations, there is a bit of surface hoar (2-3mm) that is reactive 20 cm down from the surface. I hunted in exposed areas, but did not find any. The wind likely swept it out before the last storm. Something to monitor for the future in steep treed locations.

This was my first peak at the Skyline snowpack this season, and I like what I saw. There are some instabilities, and it's pretty thin out there (Avg. HS 70 cm), but the lower pack is looking pretty good. It's not the usual faceted horror show that I'm accustomed to seeing at this time on the Skyline. Warm temperature is our friend early season.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Red Flag Comments:

Wind was moderate to strong all day out of the NW. Wind loading was observed all day. I was able to kick loose some 5" deep 4F windslabs in some isolated locations, on the immediate lee of ridge top. The windloading is widespread, but the travel is difficult right now, so, obs are limited.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Primary Concern Comments:

Winds will likely continue to blow overnight. I expect sensitive windslabs tomorrow from 10 - 40cm or so in depth.

Elevation:

9700'

Aspect:

North

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

39° 35' 30.2424" N, 111° 17' 16.746" W

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

Moderate

Snow Profile Location

Javascript is required to view this map.