Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet 

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Angeles National Forest

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20201229

Time
1330

Road conditions to area
Patchy snow and ice

Temperature
NO  

Sky
clear (no clouds)

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

Wind direction
NW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
N/A

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
NO

Elevation
6,200'

Snow depth
14" - 24"

Boot/ Ski penetration
4" - 18"

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
11:15am encountered snow at road 3,200’ road mostly clear with only occasional snowy patches. Dusting of snow in north side of mountains to below 3,000’

Once above 4,000’ snow patches more consistent on road in northern sheltered locations. 

6,200’ @ 1:30pm solid coverage on mountains. Strong Northeast to northwest winds. Lots of wind transport. BP ranging from 4” to 20”. Very dependent on wind loading and aspect. Average depth 4” to 12”. Snow appeared to have come in lighter for first round Monday morning than heavier for the bulk of the storm in the afternoon to evening. Significant wind loading on northerly aspects. At time of observation though winds were northerly topographic influence was causing loading on north aspects as well as southern aspects. This is in essence the first storm of the season. Sinking down to ground or obstacles. Low tide early season conditions. We’ll need more of this to really open up the back country. Resist powder fever and wait for more snow. Play it safe

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Low elevatin snow viewed near 4,500'.

Saltating snow