New Deep Snow on Andesite Peak

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/30/2014 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 2.9736" N, 120° 22' 0.5232" 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+ feet of new snow in the Castle Peak area since yesterday.  Some very isolated cracking within the new storm snow in previously wind loaded terrain.  1 small wind slab failing 6'' deep on the shoulder of Andesite Peak and running down into the trees.  Short periods of intense sun and warming throughout the day with some evidence of recent wet loose avalanches occuring on the south side of Castle Peak.  As early as 11-12 the new snow began to get heavier and travel became more challenging. 

Photo#1:  6'' wind slab failed with a small cornice drop on the shoulder of Andesite Peak.  8200', NE aspect, 35 degree slope.

Photo#2:  Failures within the new snow on small East aspect test slopes.  These occured close to mid day and were more like wet loose avalanches.

Photo#3:  Visibility was hit and miss with low cloud cover but some loose wet avalanches were seen as early as 11am on the south side of Castle Peak.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: