Low-tide Lassen Storm Snow

• Observation Location:  Lassen Volcanic National Park,  South Entrance, Upper Al's Bowl
• Elevation: 8000'
• Date: 20201213
• Time: 1420
• Observer: Public
• Sky Conditions: Overcast
• Current Precipitation: 1-2 cm/hr
• Air Temperature: Mid-20s
• Surface Penetration: Ski Pen: 4-6" / Boot pen: 8-12"
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 65cm (25in) on North aspect around 8000'
• Wind Direction: Varied in bowl,  SW-SE along ridges
• Wind Speed: Calm to Light in bowl, moderate along ridges

Got out in the storm yesterday (Sunday Dec 13), departing from the South Entrance and approaching through the Ridge Lakes zone.  With Low-tide conditions and wind swept ridges, we stuck mostly to north facing slopes in the bowl just south of Peak "8662'".  We observed some wind transport on the ridges, so we stuck to the trees between 7600-8400'. 

Concerned about facets in the old snow and concerned about the new/old snow interface, we dug a quick pit on a north aspect at about 8000' on a 26 degree slope.  We observed a few results: a CT3 at 12 cm down, a CT7 at 15 cm down, and a CT24 at 50 cm down.   We also observed an ECTP 9 (see photo) at 15 cm down, with propagation across the entire weak layer, but it did not readily slide under its own weight.  This appeared to break just below the interface from the last November storm. Between 15 cm and the ground, it was a mix of crusts and faceting grains.