Wet Snow in Negro Canyon

Location Name: 
Negro Canyon
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 03/10/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 20' 39.03" N, 120° 17' 37.572" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Little to no refreeze occurred last night and wet snow existed on all aspects in this area. Shin deep wet sticky snow existed on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. Ski cuts and kicks on some steep slopes triggered pinwheels and roller balls. On previously wind-scoured slopes, the snow was more supportable but it was still wet and sticky. The snowpack has still not been though enough melt-freeze cycles to transition to corn snow.

Photo 1: Shin deep wet snow on an east aspect at 7200 ft.

Photo 2: Skier-triggered pinwheels up to 2 ft in diameter

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest