Snowpit on Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/31/2012 - 11:20
Location Map: 
United States
39° 20' 35.232" N, 120° 21' 8.712" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Near and above treeline N-NE-E aspect areas showed evidence of wind scouring yesterday. Stiff surface slabs with a thin lower density snow layer below were noted within the top 2 feet of the snowpack. One isolated skier triggered whumpf occurred on approach to the area where the pit was dug. No evidence of collaborating instability was observed in the snowpit. Wind sculpting and sastrugi on the slope made the surface wind slab highly variable in depth and extent. Below treeline areas remained unaffected by wind.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: