Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

After days of gale force winds from the SW, wind speeds were forecasted to diminish, and change direction to a N wind. We toured in the Virginia Lakes area to get any visuals on any blowing snow that may result from the change of wind direction. No wind transport was seen. The change in wind direction had minimal effect on the wind hardened snow surface. The overnight low temperatures barely made it below freezing last night. 37F at Leavitt Lake SNOTEL and 33F at Virginia lakes SNOTEL was recorded at 0600 this morning. With continued clear skies and warm temperatures forecasted for the coming week, we wanted to see what impact the sun would have on South facing slopes above tree line. While ascending a South aspect we found minimal effects from solar heating, the snow remained firm and compact. Once we gained the Dunderberg Ridge line. North winds were extreme and had created a Varity a wind sculpted snow formations. Pictures of the North aspect of Dunderberg show some interesting textures from the recent wind events.

Signs of Unstable Snow