Old Ski Bowl Storm Pit

Location Name:

Old Ski Bowl

Date and time of observation:

Tue, 01/26/2021 - 11:00am

Observation made by:

Forecaster

Red Flags:

Recent avalanche activity

Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA

United States

41° 21' 40.9536" N, 122° 12' 28.8756" W

See map: Google Maps

California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

A quick trip up into Old Ski Bowl to dig a pit and get a look at the storm before the County closed the gate. The storm was intensifying as we dug.

Observation Location: Old Ski Bowl
Elevation: 7,950 Feet
Date: 20210126
Time: 1100
Observer: Ryan Sorenson, Aaron Beverly
Sky Conditions: Overcast (OVC)
Current Precipitation: Type - SN, Rate S1
Air Temperature: 11 °F
Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 6 in (15 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 8 in (20 cm)
Total Snow Depth (HS): 52 in (133cm)
24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 2 in (5 cm)
Wind Direction: SW
Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion
Column & Block Tests:
- Slope Angle & Aspect (22º, SE ) :
- ECTX
- CT22 SC ↓ 13 in (33 cm)

We had resistant test results under a thick rain and melt-freeze crust. This failed on a layer of small (.5 mm) four finger hard decomposing fragments and rounding facets. This could become reactive with more snow load in areas where the crust is thinner. The thick crust would suffice as an excellent bed surface. Lots of snow is coming. Anticipate elevated avalanche danger.