Forecaster Observation - Napa Point vicinity, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Napa Point vicinity, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - South (south of Swan Lake)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/27/2016 - 13:21
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Thin snowpack encountered below 5000'. Surprisingly shallow snowpack at higher elevations. Southeast facing snowpit at 6840' was 124 cm and wind loaded northeast pit at 7020' was 203 cm. 

10 cm of new high density snow found at both pit locations. Density estimated at 20+%.

Numerous crusts noted in the southeast pit with the 2-12 and 1-28 rain events the only prominent crusts in the northeast pit.

The southeast pit was moist throughout and resembled more of an April snowpack than late February.

Stability results showed no propagation and no fractures of note.

Surface hoar was not present at either pit location.

Ski cutting and kicking of wind features resulted in no results except for minor rollerball initiation.

Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light to moderate rainfall to 5900'.  Heavy wet snow mixed with graupel above that to our high point of 7200'. Visibility obscured most of the day.  

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S2; moderate snowfall, 2cm/hour