Snowpit on Donner Peak

Location Name: 
Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/30/2010 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 48.7764" N, 120° 19' 25.1004" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Gale force winds keeping windward slopes scoured to melt freeze/rain crust from previous day's heating and rain at start of storm.  28cm of new snow at nearby snow study plot translates to 160cm of wind loaded snow at this location. Minimal signs of instability observed while on tour. Areas of instability were very localized with max fracture propagation of 2m and less than 1m in most areas. This pit was dug adjacent to the only failed test slope in the area. Overall cooling air temperatures throughout the storm. HS >4.5m at pit location.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Gale force winds.