Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Annonymous

Keep me anonymous if published
yes

Location (general area)
Big Pines

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20230131

Time
0730

Road conditions to area
clear

Temperature
14F

Sky
few clouds (up to 2/8)

Wind speed
Moderate (17-25mph Small trees sway/ flags stretched)

Wind direction
NE

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
West

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
30

Elevation
7500ft

Snow depth

Boot/ Ski penetration

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
yes

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Sunrise tour on Tuesday 1-31 following the Sun-Mon storm cycle. Approx 15-20cm of cold, low density (for socal) fell total above 7000ft (likely more above 8500'), mostly on a surface of firm melt/freeze crust. Temp was 15F at 7k at 0700, colder as I went higher. Temps are in the high 20s at 6400' as of 12pm Tuesday.

E-NE winds were blowing steadily as I reached a N-S ridgeline, where sastrugi (see photo) and snow transport was evident. Turns down the adjacent 30deg W-NW slope were as enjoyable as anything this year. Snow was soft, cold, and right side up; did not scrape or hit bottom once. However, small pockets shallow wind slabs were forming on the lee side of the ridge (see photo), but did not propagate beyond my ski tips. I suspect higher elevation and more wind loaded areas will be of greater concern.

Coverage is looking pretty good at the moment, and it will be interesting to see how the projected dry spell affects the current snowpack in the days ahead.

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

sastrugi

wind slab