Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet 

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Angeles Crest

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20210219

Time
1154

Road conditions to area
Clear and dry - scattered rocks 

Temperature
9°C / 48°F

Sky
clear (no clouds)

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

Wind direction
NW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees
340°

Slope angle
25°

Elevation
2,268m / 7,441'

Snow depth
41cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
pf 6cm/ ps 2cm

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
At 1100
Elev. 6770’
AirT 11.3C
Sky Clear
Wind Light West

At 11:54 
Wind NW Moderate
Air T 9C
elev. 7,441’
HS 15cm 
Pf 6cm
Ps 2cm
Surf soften on NE slopes with sun exposure. Sheltered/ shaded areas still firm. Melting out on E slopes. Bare spots in some areas especially benches and ridges

Due N aspect next to last pit at 1241
HS 41cm Surface was still soft at this location but many areas were firm probably due to tree shading. Turns were good on NE aspect but there were many visible obstacles and rocks lurking just below the surface in some areas. 

We dug a quick pit near to the 2-8-21 pit to see how the snow looked after the warm period. Everything appears to be consolidating. Theres is a decomposing ice crust at approx. 15cm. No signs of instability were observed. Other hazards may be a bigger concern at this time, such as thin coverage and icy firm conditions that could result in a long slide.

Higher elevations may preserve more weak layers around this crust. Also at higher elevations colder temperatures and more pronounced wind may reduce and prevent surface softening. 

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Quick Pit Profile

Just below the ridge