Donner Summit Observations

Location Name: 
Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 26.6616" N, 120° 18' 45.2412" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 
Melt freeze crusts developing on solar aspects but not supportable in most areas.  Did a Rutschblock Test at 7900' on a south aspect, 30 degree slope and had a RB-7 as a result with no failure.  The top 3-4'' of snow was wet but even in steeper terrain in this area there were no new signs of wet snow instability-very few roller balls and no point releases.  Down lower around 7200, NE-E wind loaded aspects had consistent hard CT failures down 6-8'' on top of the 2/11 rain crust, all shears were Q2-Q3 quality.  SW winds were light all day and air temps ranged from 8-9c in the early afternoon hours, very warm but not many signs of wet snow instability on the solar aspects at this location. 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: