Donner Summit Observations

Location Name: 
Mt. Judah
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 54.3228" N, 120° 18' 56.0088" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Aspects prone to the E/NE winds over the last week are scoured to a firm crust or breakable crust.  In protected treed areas or wind blown areas, SE/S/SW/W aspects, there are a few inches of soft unconsolidated snow that provides good travel.  Below 7800' on southernly aspects the snow surface was softening into corn type snow conditions, above this was firm due to the cold temps and cold east winds.  A snowpit dug on an E facing slope at 8100 showed a very uniform and stable snowpack.  Snow depth was 75cm, no results from CT's, with some minor near surface faceting below the surface crust.

Photo#1:  E/NE terrain off of Mt. Judah showing wind scoured firm conditions.

Photo#2:  South aspect with wind blown soft snow conditions.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

E winds ranging from 15-25 mph throughout the day keeping it cold on ridges and peaks.