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Observation: Electric Lake

Observation Date
2/1/2013
Observer Name
Steve Cote
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Upper Electric Bowl
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We had a good surface hoar event
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

There was about 6 inches of loose faceted powdered top of by 2 inches of surface hoar (loud powder)

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
wind loading on the exposed ridges
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Saw evidence of large cornice releases in other high elevation areas. the snow mobiles were getting out and testing the steep areas under the ridges.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Wind slabs on steep areas on the North and north east aspects, still finding areas were the wind slabs are thinner over the faceted snow.

The same conditions as Wed. obs, could not get the extended column to fail on the deeper faceted snow layer. May heal up before we get enough weight to cause a problem in the sheltered wooded areas. Snow mobiles were also testing the slopes in the steep bowl. No collapsing was heard today.