Small Windslabs on Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 03/26/2014 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 3.4524" N, 120° 21' 59.904" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

2-4'' at the trailhead this morning with 4-6'' at 7800' in the trees and up to 10-12'' wind slabs in the most wind prone areas on the peak and ridge at 8200'.  All wind slabs were failing with in the new storm snow and most of these were small at 4-6'' deep.  These wind slabs were very isolated and only existed in the most wind prone areas on the peak and upper ridge.  

Photos:  Small wind slabs failed with a small ski kick on Andesite Ridge/Peak.  These wind slabs were failing within the storm snow at a density change and were mostly 4-6'' deep.  Cracking and shooting cracks also in these isolated wind slab areas.  NE-E aspects, 8000-8200', 35-40 degree slopes.

Video #1:  ECTP-12 on 6'' wind slab.  East aspect, 8200', 38 degree slope on top of Andesite Peak.

Video #2:  Small test slope with ski kick triggered wind slab.  Up to 10-12'' deep, 8100', East aspect, 35 degrees.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

AndesitePeak2014 3 26 010

AndesitePeak2014 3 26 011

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

Very light snow throughout the morning with light SW winds.  Snow and winds picking up in the early afternoon hours.