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poor bonding new snow layer, shooting cracks, test slope failure

Location Name: 
Treeline, road above bunny flat
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 12/14/2016 - 7:00pm
Observation made by: 
Public

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

observed poor bonding between new and old snow. toured to treeline yesterday (12/13) and observed stout, firm rain crust and wind scoured nw slopes. same slope today (12/14) had about 20-30cm of dense, new wind effected snow at treeline and more in lower protected areas. New snow failed at isolation just above rain crust layer.

Later when returning to trailhead skied a steep rollover onto the road above bunny flat and entire feature released with shooting cracks extending across entire feature. snow did not slide due to bridging and support from road. Good visual to keep in mind for bigger, less supported slopes and features.

Weather Observations

Details

some inversions as snow levels fluctuated quite a bit, from 4,500' to 7,000'

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
Snow
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Wind Direction: 
Southeast