Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Anonymous

Keep me anonymous if published
yes

Location (general area)
Wrightwood

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20201228

Time
1300

Road conditions to area
R1

Temperature
26F

Sky
Overcast (sky covered)

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
7,000ft

Snow depth
30cm

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
Observation for the first significant snowfall event in the San Gabriel mountains this season (12/27-12/29). I toured up a fire road from 6,300' to approx 7,300', starting on a NW aspect and spanning N and NE aspects. Snowfall as of 1300 on 12/28 was ~30cm deep at 7,000ft on a NE aspect, where it appeared to have drifted in a good 50% more than on N and NW slopes due to wind direction. Snow continued to fall heavily through the afternoon and evening hours, and likely added another 20-30cm above 7,000ft. Initial snow was high density and supportable for the "ski" back down the trail. Afternoon showers were colder and less dense, but still classic maritime cement. Overall this should set up a nice base for subsequent storms.

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Snowpack