Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Allen Giernet

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Kratka Ridge

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20190322

Time
1300

Road conditions to area
clear and dry  

Temperature
Not observed - warm

Sky
few clouds (up to 2/8)

Wind speed
Calm (smoke rises vertically)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle

Elevation
7,400'

Snow depth
3.5'

Boot/ Ski penetration
2"/ 1"

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Roller balls and pinwheels noted off rock bands along drive in Northwesterly aspects

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Sky was clear at mountain low clouds below in the morning. Snow surface soft to crusty in top 3". firm and icy below. Snow was consolidated powder in areas to firm. Edging was great and turns were fun. By noon lower mountain was softening considerably and by 1:30 all surface snow had become wet and heavy. 

The corn factory is cranking up and spring snow should be here soon. 

Rapid warming was obvious as there was still snow on some trees from yesterdays storm. By late morning snow was falling from trees and creating small roller balls. surface snow at base area had free water in it. 

On the drive out fresh roller balls were seen along the rode side slopes due to warming and sun exposure. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published