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Observation: Electric Lake

Observation Date
12/27/2013
Observer Name
Steve Cote
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Electric Lake
Location Name or Route
Electric bowl
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
dead calm and warm
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The snow from the last storm has settled to 4 inches with a thin Rime crust that is starting to disappear. The snow surface is a creamy powder. The snow structure due to only 2 feet of snow is variable to say the least. As I drove up snowmobiles were still digging down to the ground in some places and on top in the more wind affected areas. The same for skinning up the slopes and on ridges, one section was good support the next was facets to the ground. Skiing was the same 3 good turns on creamy powder next the bottom dropped out.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

On most slopes the danger is low, as the snow pack is shallow without a lot of loading. I could not get ECT's to fail but shovel test would fail at 10. There may be a moderate hazard on some of the more wind affected areas such as wedding ring ridge, this would be bigger pockets next to areas of rocks or brush. When we get a significant storm the avalanche hazard will rise significantly due to the weak snow pack structure.

Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments

Snow was only 2 feet in depth, and very weak. A shovel test failed at 10 with a Q 2 sheer. An ECT had no failure the snow just collapsed under the shovel. I would say the danger is low in all areas except on the vary highest elevations on North East North and North West slopes with more loading than generally found on the Skyline. Still the biggest hazard maybe rocks and stumps.

The 4 inches of new and 4 inches from the earlier storm is fist to four finger, over a 1 finger melt freeze crust over facets to the ground.

This picture is the big drift on top of Skyline and next to the parking lot. As you can see it is getting tested by the sledders.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates