Hemlock Ridge - East

Observer: Doug Lewis, Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Loc: Hemlock Ridge, East
Lat/Lon:37.7418, -119.1007
Sierras , CA
Elevation: 10150 f
Aspect: ENE, Angle: 33°

Signs of Instability: Wind Loading
Sky Cover: CLR
Precipitation: No Precipitation
Wind Speed: Calm, subjective
Current Temp:-7.5°C Trend:➘
Blowing Snow: Light W
Snow Temperature 20cm:-11° C 
Boot Penetration: 25cm

Comments: No recent natural avalanches noted. Some skier triggered sloughing on steeper terrain (40 degrees +). Light wind crust on exposed Easterly aspects, possibly an issue where thicker. Below ~9,500 solar aspects forming a melt/freeze crust. Mid-slope, encountered bedsurface from previous slide cycle with ~4 cm Wind Slab. 3 Stability Tests: CT3 Q3 35cm CTN 0cm CT5 Q3 35cm Very poorly defined slab @ surface to 35cm. Noted previous avalanches: Wind Slab failure from previous day southeast of the Hourglass (East aspect, 10,200' Elevation, Crown 1-3 feet, R2-3). Debris noted from previous slide cycle crossed the road near Silver Lake. Lots of evidence of SW winds scouring, wind effected snow in depressions, and loading in favored locations (rock ribs, outcroppings, ridgelines). Hand shears moderate.