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Green Butte Ridge

Location Name: 
Green Butte Ridge
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/03/2017 - 10:30pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

United States
41° 22' 7.0644" N, 122° 13' 3.4392" W
See map: Google Maps
US

Snowpack Observations

Details

No avalanches, shooting cracks, or collapses were observed.  The height of new snow ranged from 25-35cm between 7000-8500ft by 3pm today.  The storm snow has an upside-down configuration with 20-30cm of dense snow sitting on top of 5cm of less dense snow.  On the E-SE-S-SW-W slopes observed today, the new snow was falling on firm wind scoured snow, supportable crusts up to 2cm thick, and breakable, eroded crusts.

The wind slab problem was the most significant concern today.  S, SW, and W winds were observed transporting snow continuously throughout the day near and above treeline.  Wind slab development and cornice formation was most noticeable above treeline on easterly aspects.

Numerous handpits on E-S-W aspects and two test pits dug on SE and E aspects near and below treeline conveyed that the storm snow was just beginning to show slab characteristics.  Small column tests showed the majority of failures occurring within the storm snow on the density break 20-30cm down from the snow surface.  Failures also occurred at, and directly below a crust present in many locations as the new/old interface.  No propogation occurred in large column tests. 

Weather Observations

Details

Heavy snowfall was continuous throughout the day, and accumulation rates were greater than 1cm an hour from 10am-3pm.  Winds were primarily blowing from the southwest, but were observed blowing from the SE-S-SW-W today.  Winds were moderate to strong above treeline and visibility was very poor. 

Statistics

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