Observation type
Pro - Snowpack/ Avalanche
Observer
Allen Giernet 

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Angeles Crest

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20240401

Time
10am - 2pm

Road conditions to area
clear 

Temperature
Morn 31.1F to Aft. 42.8F

Sky
Overcast (sky covered)

Wind speed
Light (1-16mph Flags/twigs in motion)

Wind direction
NE

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
25 - 35°

Elevation
6970' - 7790'

Snow depth
35cm - 120cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
Boot 31cm 

Precipitation
None
Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Small Loose Wet releases D.5 - D1 increasing activity through the day noted on northern aspects with increasing temperatures and sun exposure

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
10:09am
Sky - Ovc
Wind - L - NE
Temp - NO

Several small loose wet avalanches on N to NW aspects approximately 7,000' + near avalanche canyon and Winston springs and along road cuts. Appeared to be triggered by Snow shedding from trees or near rocks. 

10:40
Sky-Ovc
Wind - M-ENE
Precip.-0
Temp - .5C
Snow transport active.
Seems like possible light rain or fog affected snow. Breakable crust & snow still on trees but affected by moisture

1:10p kicked wind lip broke loose and immediately self arrested

1:54 6970’ Temp - 6C

As clouds broke in the afternoon snow surface softened and became poor riding conditions. Upon leaving I noted numerous loose wet avalanches up to near the ridgelines on Northerly aspects in Both Avalanche Canyon and Winston Springs. 
Day began with crust on surface and I suspect low clouds noted on the drive in may have contributed moisture to snow surface. Potential greenhouse effect from clouds and above freezing temperatures the day before. Higher elevations may not see this condition. As the softening surface refreezes overnight crust will be more solid and could contribute to fast firm conditions in the morning. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Loose Wet avalanches noted at 8:30 am on North aspect - there are more in the photo besides the red arrow.

Pit profile on NE aspect