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Siskiyou mountains near Mt. Ashland in E- NE facing gullies

Location Name: 
Siskiyou Peak
Region: 
Outside of the Forecast Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 1:20pm
Observation made by: 
Public
Red Flags:

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
42° 3' 49.968" N, 122° 45' 49.392" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

 

  • Observation Location: Siskiyou Peak
  • Elevation: 6,912'
  • Date: 20201231
  • Time: 13:15
  • Observer: Mica Cardillo
  • Sky Conditions: X
  • Current Precipitation: NO
  • Air Temperature: 27 °F
  • Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 8 in (21 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 21 in (53 cm)
  • Total Snow Depth (HS): 49 in (126 cm)
  • 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 6 in (15 cm)
  • 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): unknown
  • Wind Direction: W
  • Wind Speed: L
  • Column & Block Tests:
    • CTN
    • ECTNR

Notes: I had dug a practice pit near McDonald Peak last week and observed that it was heavily influenced by wind blown snow with a CT 22 at 55 cm, 29% slope just below 7,000’. I have been avoiding steep wind-loaded leeward ridgecrests as a result.  This pit site below Siskiyou Peak was selected due to being far enough below ridgeline to be buffered from direct wind loading (some trees above) to get a more representative sample of what I’ve been skiing on solo missions. The slope was E - NE and had the best skiing snow of the day. Generally, NE to E facing glades nestled in small drainages well-below ridgeline have preserved the best powder skiing. I’ve been staying above 6,000’ as the areas lower have been subjected to much wider temperature swings and rapid melting events. The forecast is calling for continued storm activity for the next week. On the drive down the access road, I observed sunballs on steep south-facing roadcuts.

Photos

Weather Observations

Details

This area was dominted by a rolling fog throughout the day. Snowpit was at border of bluebird sky - fog line.  Siskiyou Peak ocassionally popped out of the fog with clear bluebird sky.  A few hours later the entire area was overcast.

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
No
Precipitation: 
None
Accumulation rate: 
None
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Wind Direction: 
West