Quick report
We went to Stanford Rock today to make snowpack observations and look for cold soft snow. We targeted 2 different locations to dig and do snowpack tests. One location was at lower elevations where colder air existed below the inversion layer and the other location was just above the inversion level. Snowpack tests at both locations did not show any layers of concern in the snowpack. At elevations below 7000' where colder air exists below the inversion, more developed near surface facets exist along with some areas of surface hoar. Above this elevation, the near surface facets were less developed and smaller in size.
Areas with tree cover had a mix of refrozen tree drippings and near surface facets in more open areas. We experienced some glopping on our skins at mid to upper elevations where the snow surface was warmer, but not at lower elevations where colder air existed. Travel conditions were the best at the lower elevations where cold unconsolidated surface snow existed in open areas below treeline.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Decreasing clouds throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. Temperature inversions were pronounced at this location this morning with cold temperatures at the bottom of the terrain by Ward Creek and much warmer temperatures at mid to upper elevations.