Snowpack Observations from Mt. Judah

Location Name: 
Mt. Judah
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/18/2014 - 09:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 21.9672" N, 120° 19' 0.6888" W
US


Red Flags: 

Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Some wind slabs still existed on the N-NE aspects in near treeline areas today. On Wildflower Ridge tests and data concerning these wind slabs showed a stable snowpack where observations about a week ago showed some signs of instability and propagation. Even in areas where the wind slabs rested above the old faceted layers tests indicated that fracture propagation has become unlikely. The old facet layers were less prevalent on slopes with a more easterly aspect as seen in the first video. On a more northerly slope higher up on Judah the old weak facet layers were thicker and more developed (see the second video), but there was no wind slab above them. Tests in this area also indicated that fracture propagation remains unlikely and that the snowpack can support itself as well as people recreating on it. 

Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

VID 20140118 093019

VID 20140118 101754

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: