Minor cracking and snowpit from Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 12/22/2010 - 13:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 6.6168" N, 120° 21' 58.932" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

New snow with a crust layer and several graupel layers exists in this area. Below the new snow remains all the other storm snow down to the Dec. 14th crust. Some small skier-triggered cracking did occur in the most recent snow on wind-loaded NW-N-NE 35-40 degree tests slopes in near and above treeline terrain.

Photo: Skier triggered cracks on a 37 degree, NE facing, test slope.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: