Snowpack observations from Basin Peak

Location Name: 
Basin Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 03/01/2010 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 23' 9.6972" N, 120° 21' 58.824" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Testing the interface between the Feb 19th snow surface and the snow above it in several locations, today. On Basin Peak above 8400' the Feb. 19th layer is just a change from decomposing new snow to older rounded strong snow. The snow above this interface is a stong slab to about 9 inches below the surface. Soft unconsolidated snow exists on the sheltered northerly aspects above 8000'. 2-4 inches of wet snow with a thin, breakable, refrozen crust on the existed on the southerly aspects up to 8500'. Several snowmobiles tested several N-NE faccing slopes without causing any failures in these wind-loaded slopes above 8000' today. Snowmobilers reported signs of avalanche activity that happened during the storm near Warren Lake and the Devil's Oven.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 
Clouds and wind increasing after 2pm.