New Heavy Snow on Andesite Peak

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 11/18/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 1.4796" N, 120° 21' 55.9944" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

6'' of new heavy snow at the trailhead at 7000' with 8-10'' of new heavy snow at 8200' on Andesite Peak.  This new snow bonded well to the rain crust which was found up to the top of Andesite Peak-8300'.  CT's showed some minor storm snow instabilities, ECT's did not indicate that propagation was likely.  Ski cuts, small cornice drops, and skiing all showed no signs of instability-no shooting cracks, cracking, etc.  Minor snow transport occuring only at the peak and high ridges from the SW winds.

The buried rain crust and heavy new snow has helped ski travel by providing somewhat of a bottom.  Still very difficult ski conditions exist with many hazards.  Ski pen was 20cm while Boot Pen was 55cm at 8100'.  

Photo:  Dropped a small cornice on the top of Andesite Peak.  No cracking, shooting cracks or any signs of instabilities.  HS=80-120cm in this wind loaded location.

Video:  ECTN at 8100', NE aspect.  HS=80cm.  I incorrectly refered to the main buried crust as a melt freeze crust but meant rain crust from 11/17.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Andesite Ridge2012 11 18 003

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow level around 6500' at 9am and rising up to 7000' by midday.  Precipitation decreased into the midday.