Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Kraka Ridge

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
1-1-20

Time
1041

Road conditions to area
Plowed with some snow after Newcombs ranch gated at Kratka

Temperature
6.1C

Sky
few clouds (up to 2/8)

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

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North West

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
35

Elevation
7,200'

Snow depth
133cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
variable 10cm - 0cm

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
On drive in at least a day old in Winston Springs

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Extremely variable surface conditions from Sastrugi, to windboard, to packed powder, to breakable crust and occasional powder. Pretty much ran the gamut. 

Radical evidence of wind influence with areas of wind loading, wind sculpting and windslabs that were not reactive in our analysis area.

Temperatures were warm at 0815 and warmed quickly by 1130 when we left. Most snow on road had melted on thew drive out. 

Wind varied from calm first thing to light/ moderate during our pit. There is a significant amount of snow at this low elevation. Our stability tests showed no results. 

Skiing/ riding was challenging due to variable surface conditions and breakable crust. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Wind effected snow

Pit Profile