Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
ridge above 6.000' gate closure and the Angeles Crest 

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20190312

Time
1600

Road conditions to area
Clea gate closed at 6000' parking

Temperature
Not observed - warm

Sky
Scattered clouds (3/8 to 4/8)

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

Wind direction
W

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North West

Aspect in degrees
351

Slope angle

Elevation
7518'

Snow depth
83cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
4"/ 6"

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
at 2:15 observed 16" - 18" of snow at parking areas skin from car

wind board and ice at 7,518' NNW aspect 83cm of snow. Firm snow for 20cm on a solid ice block crust on surface 2" fairly well bonded

Signs of wind effects with loading in various areas. More wind effect than expected. Much of the area was wind board and rain crust. Wind appeared to be Northeasterly with loaded areas Southwesterly to Northwesterly. 

At 7,000' tested a windslab that was very reactive on the rain crust below. Approximately 30cm deep. Slab self arrested in loose snow after about 3'

Signs of solar influence and rapid warming by 4:00pm with significant roller ball activity on Westerly slopes

Surface was quite variable for riding. Mixed surface from rain crust/ ice to wind loaded pillows, fresh pockets of powder, a breakable crust and mash potatoes from sun and heat. 

Interesting riding with obstacles at the lower elevations. 

Ski crampons were useful in areas where there was little snow on the rain crust/ Skin wax was also welcome as the day warmed up

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

---

wind slab test

Ice patch