Snowpack

San Joaquin Ridge

Greg CunninghamEastside Region
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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3

Quick report

I took my skis for a short walk on San Joaquin Ridge. My goals were to see if any new snow was blowing around, and see if I could find any indication of wet loose instabilities.

I found barely a trace of new snow above 9000 ft. In fact, it was more graupel than snow. There was not yet enough to blow around.

All snow surfaces were moist due to clouds and humidity, but also supportable. I was unable to move any wet snow on steep slopes of any aspect.

Coverage to get up on the ridge is inconsistent, but improves above 9500 feet or so.

Weather

Air Temp
35
Cloud Cover
obscured
Recent Snowfall
Tr

Skies were obscured, and winds were light to moderate from the southwest. Graupel was falling lightly on and off, and barely a trace of new was on the ground.

Snowpack

Where snow existed, it was moist but supportable.

I observed no signs of instability.

Existing snow is entirely melt forms and is in good shape for a new snow load.