Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Annonymous

Keep me anonymous if published
yes

Location (general area)
Wrightwood

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20230322

Time
0900

Road conditions to area
R2

Temperature
26F

Sky
Broken clouds (4/8 but not all)

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

Wind direction
SW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North East

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle

Elevation
7350ft

Snow depth
170cm

Boot/ Ski penetration

Precipitation
Light

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Morning tour after the Tuesday system let up, which delivered a decent amount of late season snow. Ascended ridge to approximately 7500'. Snow coverage was good, supportable, and right side up. Cool temps, wind and clouds rolling in kept surface soft and glop-free. Snow turned on again around 1pm, adding a another 3-5cm at 6400ft.

Pit summary:

170cm height of snow
Fist 170-155
4F 155-138
1F 138-135 (layer where storm warmed up Tuesday AM)
4F 135-127
P 127-124 (melt/freeze crust)
1F 124>ground (saturated rounded grains)

CT did not yield any failures, nor did I observe any red flags. The denser spring pow seems to be bonding well with the remnants of the February blizzard and subsequent AR rain storms in this area. However, winds were absolutely howling over the ridgelines throughout the storm, so wind slabs on leeward slopes seem likely at/above treeline.

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Pit wall

Melt freeze crust