Observation type
Snowpack
Observer
Allen Giernet aka The Winter Warlock
Keep me anonymous if published
no
Location (general area)
Telegraph peak San Gabriel Mtns.
Latitude
34.26164
Longitude
-117.59884
Date (yyyymmdd)
20170312
Time
1402
Road conditions to area
Clear and dry
Temperature
9°C/ 48.2°F
Sky
clear (no clouds)
Wind speed
Light (1-16mph Flags/twigs in motion)
Wind direction
NE
Slope aspect
West
Aspect in degrees
270°
Slope angle
36°
Elevation
2,709m/ 8,889'
Snow depth
53cm/ 21"
Boot/ Ski penetration
2cm/ .75"
Precipitation
none
Activity, recent avalanches
yes
Brief description
debris from several loose wet avalanches was observed below the North chutes into the drainage
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no
Rapid warming
yes
Obvious avalanche path
yes
Terrain trap
yes
Comment
NW to W aspects icy and firm with soft areas. Use of crampons for ascent with isolated areas that were soft.
Softer snow on due N aspect.
Firm areas with solid refreeze only a few centimeters to 10cm down.
W/NW aspect softened nicely to nice corn by 2:30 pm.
Strong Northerly wind caused a crust to form on due North aspects by early afternoon despite sun exposure.
Great corn snow for the descent from 8,900' down on W / NW aspect at 2:30pm

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Looking down a North Chute at wet snow avalanche debris

Pit Profile Telegraph Peak 3-12-17

Pit just below summit of Telegraph Peak