Snow profile from W shoulder Castle Pk

Location Name: 
W shoulder Castle Pk
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/31/2014 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 53.532" N, 120° 21' 35.784" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Bottom grains contain much diverse wet structure, including very soft areas, semi-frozen columns of grains, and remnants of deteriorating crusts.  Generally not strong enough to support my weight on skis.  Minor wind pressing and wind slabs on the ridge, no cracking observed in the wind slabs.  Localized collapsing and cracking across the broader N facing terrain.  Much evidence under new snow of considerable free water movement during January 29.  Some surface hoar atop the newest snow crystals.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast