Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet 

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Angeles Crest near Winston springs

Latitude
34.34274

Longitude
-117.95359

Date (yyyymmdd)
20210130

Time
1159

Road conditions to area
Clear except a few icy patches 

Temperature
3.7C to 0.6C

Sky
clear (no clouds)

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

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees
330°

Slope angle
36°

Elevation
7,471'/ 2,277m

Snow depth
60cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
PF40cm/ PS 21cm

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
At lower elevations numerous roller balls and small releases on solar effected slopes near rock bands especially southerly aspects

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Angeles Crest 6K gate 
10:00am at 5k’ lots of roller balls and some small wet releases on any aspects with solar input 
10:30am Air Temp 3.7C

Lots of people parking area full at 10:00am. Lots of skin tracks and ski/ Board tracks. 

sunny skies and warm temps. Snow holding well on sheltered northerly aspects. Definitely affected where sun input by early afternoon. No signs of instability on way up or down. Pit only showed instability in mid new snow relating to possible stuffs. This is only a sample of the area and still lower elevation. We were at 7,471' just west of the top of Winston Springs ​see attached pit profile.

Signs of wind effect and wind loading but no signs of sensitive wind slabs. Snow cover is still thin at this elevation but rideable. With some consolidation and more snow things will get better. 

With the warmer temperatures crusts will develop in sun exposed areas and lower elevations. uphill tracks will refreeze overnight and become slick with these warmer afternoon temps. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Pit profile

1-30-21 from the crest