Pre-Storm Obs from VA Lakes

SNOWPACK OBSERVATION
Mt. Olsen
Submission Info
Volunteer Observer
Monday, December 3, 2018 - 2:00pm
38° 2' 28.8132" N, 119° 14' 43.0116" W
See map: Google Maps
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Area Observed:
Virginia Lakes- Mt. Olsen. N,NE treeline terrain from 9800' to 11200'.

Field Weather Summary:
Mostly sunny skies in the AM led to increasing cloud cover in PM as weather system enters
the area. Increasing moderate WSW winds at ridgetops. Snow banners and saltation at ridge tops during gustier periods. 

Avalanche and Snowpack Summary:
HS averaged 80cm, with significantly deeper drifts in lee depressions and gullies up to 150cm, and very thin coverage where exposed to winds. Lee slopesnear ridge tops and crossloaded features had a shallow wind slab which ranged from 5cm to 25cm. Test results: Hand shear easy, positive kick turn tests, shovel tilt easy and isolated shooting cracks with propagation up to 1.5m. Ski cuts were unreactive. Steeper and less supported slopes would be concerning in this area, but slope in question did not show potential for propagation. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
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