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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 12, 2022
Submitted:
December 12, 2022
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Bishop Creek
Location:
Bishop Creek Area - wind drifted snow

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

I saw propagation in the Extended Column Test on a NE aspect, 9880′ with HS: 95cm, Slope 22 degrees in sparse trees.

ECTP11 and ECTP23 down 80cm from the surface on the 1201 persistent weak layer (FC 2mm).

Key Points

No obvious signs of instability in Bishop Creek today. Wind effect is the dominant factor in snow surface and snow depth at all elevations. The big takeaway for me is how much variation there is in snow depth within the same slope. This adds uncertainty to the distribution and reactivity of weak layer at the base of the snowpack.

Media

Wind loaded terrain features in  Bishop Creek
NE, 9880' - Bishop Creek

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
9F
Wind:
Light , SW
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