Donner Summit Observations

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/09/2015 - 02:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 3.1176" N, 120° 21' 58.9788" 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: 

Snow down to below 7000' in this area with up to 2' wind slabs on Andesite Peak at 8200'.  Snow was dense and ski supportive with skipen of 5-10cm.  No signs of instabilities throughout my tour and no results from ECT's, CT's had minor weakness within the storm snow on density changes.  

Photos:  No signs of instability with cornice kicks and ski cuts on small test slopes.   

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

MVI 3195

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: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snowing at the pass, 7200', at mid day and continuing into the mid afternoon.  Storm was winding down by 3pm, winds were consistent moderate range from the SW on the higher ridges and peak.  Blowing snow was limited due to the dense snow and areas being scoured down to rain crust.