Observation: Lone Pine

We dug this snow pit at the base of Lone Pine and found a generally right side up snowpack, 52 cms (20 inches) deep, with small grained facets developing in the upper 10-15 cms (4-6 inches). This will be our primary layer of concern if anticipated snow arrives this weekend.

Low snow conditions but reasonably par for late November. Depths range from 10 inches at 10,000', and up to 20 inches near 11,000'. All of the snow fell during a series of storms between Nov 16-23. There was almost no pre-existing snow in the mountains prior to this storm cycle with the exception of a few inches on the highest northerly aspects. We observed fairly widespread surface hoar in our travels today, but it generally breaks down in our windy range and it was already melting on sunny aspects which should be lightly crusted over tomorrow. On shady aspects the top several inches of the snowpack have begun to facet and this will be our primary concern if anticipated snow falls this weekend. 

Overall thin snow cover.

South aspects are holding snow but they will take a hit with sunshine and warm temperatures over the next few days.

Dave Garcia identifies faceted snow in the top of the snowpack at around 10,200'. Snow depth doubles a few hundred feet higher. 

Surface hoar. Something to keep an eye on, but pre frontal winds usually take care of it around here.