Rain on snow avalanche activity on Donner Pass and Donner Peak

Location Name: 
Donner Pass and Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 05:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 54.63" N, 120° 19' 5.3256" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
wet,slab,loose,
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

This quick report of rain on snow avalanche activity was received from a long time local avalanche professional driving up the east side of Donner Pass road this morning.

"Much avalanched off the road cuts and Peanut Gallery to the road" (south and east aspects around 6,400' to 7,000'). "One 30-40 cm crown above the Nova Express end of Snowshed Wall" (north to east aspect area around 7,200').  "The rest of N side Donner Pk pretty much falling apart with dozens of loose wet releases".

Weather Observations
Air temperature: 
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: