Power Lines

Observations from the Power Lines route via Old McCloud Road

• Difficult riding was encountered on the Power Lines route. Sporadic old snowmobile tracks and deep, heavy snow made surface conditions unpredictable and difficult to maneuver.
• Heavy rain was encountered until about 5,000 feet, where the rain turned to large moist snowflakes. Trees were shedding their snow with the newly added weight. 
• The top few inches of snow have become very wet and heavy, sitting on top of older, low-density snow. The observed snowpack felt upside down in density. 
• Below 6,000 feet, winds remained calm to light.
• Visibility worsened with higher elevation. The sky remained completely obscured throughout the outing. 
• Precipitation intensity increased with elevation, exceeding 1 inch/hr accumulation rates.

Considering the precipitation intensity and water weight we encountered, snowpack instability is surely on the rise at higher elevations.

​​​​​​On a different note, a couple roof avalanches were seen in town. Be careful out there!

• Observation Location: Power Lines route, via Old McCloud Road
• Elevation: 5,500 feet
• Date: 20230312
• Time: 1200
• Observer: S. Clairmont and E. Falconer
• Sky Conditions: Obscured (X)
• Current Precipitation: Type - SN and RS, Rate - S1
• Air Temperature: 32 °F
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 5 in (12 cm)
• Wind Direction: SW
• Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion